come on rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come on rain" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a context where someone is expressing a desire for rain, perhaps in a poetic or informal setting. Example: "After weeks of dry weather, I found myself saying, 'Come on rain, we need you to nourish the earth.'"

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Come on, rain.

The New Yorker

By the time the song broke into its hymn-like invocation, with Yorke singing, "Rain down / Come on rain down on me / From a great height," it was both a lament and a glorious catharsis.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now I'm no John Ketley, or Sian Lloyd for that matter, but from the look of the cumulonimbus clouds overhead (GSCE geography! come on!), this is going to be rain interrupted.

The Guardian - Sport

But the fast-developing landscape is also thick with an air of threatening mystery; coyotes lurk in the distance, rain comes on suddenly, and flickering lights can be seen from mountaintops.

Huffington Post

As I was typing this, "I Wish It Would Rain Down" came on just as it started pouring outside and when Phil sang, "I wish it would rain, rain down on me," I realized that clearly it's a metaphor for love and loss.

Vice

"We come on Friday, rain or shine," Mr. Barton said one rainy Friday.

The New York Times

It is coming on to rain now.

The Guardian

Come on up, there's rain and everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

She and the other panel members come on stage drenched with rain because the chair has not thought to take them along the covered walkway.

The Guardian - Books

Photograph: /Life Updated at 2.26pm GMT 2.20pm GMT 10th over England 52-2 ( Ali 23, Root 7) Him upstairs knows everyone is keen to see what's what at Newlands, and the covers come on - before the rain starts properly.

The Guardian - Sport

Super Saver's Derby victory is partly suspect because it came on a rain-soaked and sloppy racetrack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come on rain" to express a strong desire or need for rain, often when it's been a long dry spell or when rain is crucial for crops or other reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "come on rain" in formal writing or professional settings. It's better suited for casual conversations or creative writing where a sense of urgency or longing is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come on rain" functions as an imperative, urging rain to begin. It reflects a desire or need for rainfall. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not standard in written English, its usage in contexts from news and media shows it conveys a sense of anticipation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come on rain" is an imperative expression used to strongly request rainfall, primarily in informal settings. While Ludwig AI notes that it's not considered standard written English, it appears in news and media to convey urgency or longing. Alternatives like "bring on the rain" or "let it rain" offer similar meanings. It is best suited for casual conversations or creative writing, but should be avoided in formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring on the rain

This alternative uses "bring on" instead of "come on", conveying a slightly more proactive or welcoming attitude towards the rain.

let it rain

This is a common and simple expression indicating a desire or acceptance for rain to start.

we need rain

This phrase highlights the necessity of rain, focusing on the need rather than directly urging it to start.

rain is needed

A more formal version of "we need rain", emphasizing the requirement for precipitation.

I wish it would rain

This expresses a wish or hope for rain, adding a personal element of desire.

may it rain

A somewhat poetic expression wishing for rain.

the rain should come

This phrase implies an expectation or anticipation of rain, suggesting it is due or necessary.

it's time for rain

This phrase suggests that rain is overdue or seasonally appropriate.

rain is welcome

This expresses a positive reception towards the idea of rain, indicating it would be beneficial.

torrential rain, come forth

This alternative calls for the rain by using more descriptive, literary terms.

FAQs

What does "come on rain" mean?

The phrase "come on rain" expresses a desire or plea for rain to start falling, often used during dry periods or when rain is needed.

What can I say instead of "come on rain"?

You can use alternatives like "bring on the rain", "let it rain", or "we need rain" depending on the context.

Is "come on rain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "come on rain" is grammatically acceptable as an imperative phrase in informal contexts, although it's not considered formal English.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "come on rain"?

It's appropriate in casual conversations, personal writings, or creative content where expressing a strong wish for rain is fitting. Avoid it in formal or professional communications.