driving rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"driving rain" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor to describe something that is very strong or intense. Example sentence: The driving rain made it impossible for us to go outside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It happened in driving rain and wind.

The Economist

"It's driving rain, and it's relentless".

The New York Times

As it happened, we set out into driving rain.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's not the same as a cold, driving rain.

The New York Times - Science

A driving rain map for Spain is produced.

Building and Environment

A driving rain map for Greece was produced.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Sadly, driving rain and fog meant that this was closed.

The Guardian - Travel

Initially, annual driving rain index (aDRI) based on monthly data is calculated and a driving rain map of Turkey is produced.

Building and Environment

"It is what it is" became a familiar refrain as often heard as driving rain.

The New York Times - Sports

A driving rain moved in just before New England's final chance.

The New York Times - Sports

By 4 a.m., there was driving rain of the kind I've experienced only in New Guinea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "driving rain" to convey not only the presence of rain but also its force and direction, often implying difficulty or discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "driving rain" metaphorically when a literal description of intense, wind-propelled rain is not intended. Overuse in unrelated scenarios dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driving rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of weather condition, highlighting the intensity and force of the rain. As shown in Ludwig, it's commonly used in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "driving rain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes heavy, wind-driven rain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to convey the intensity and unpleasantness of the weather, typically found in news, science, and travel writing. While versatile, it's best used when a literal description of forceful rain is intended, and alternatives like "heavy downpour" or "torrential rain" can offer similar nuances. With a neutral register and frequent appearances in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "driving rain" remains a powerful and appropriate choice for describing harsh weather conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouring rain

A simpler and more direct way to describe heavy rainfall.

heavy downpour

Replaces the more descriptive 'driving' with 'heavy', focusing on the intensity of the rain.

fierce rainfall

Emphasizes the intensity and strength of the rain.

torrential rain

Emphasizes the uncontrolled and forceful nature of the rainfall.

severe rainstorm

More explicitly identifies the event as a storm characterized by heavy rain.

pelting rain

Highlights the sensation of the rain hitting a surface with force.

blinding rain

Focuses on the reduced visibility caused by the intensity of the rain.

stormy weather

Broadens the scope to include other elements of a storm, not just the rain.

inclement weather

A more formal term for harsh or severe weather conditions.

extreme precipitation

A scientific and formal term for intense rainfall events.

FAQs

How can I use "driving rain" in a sentence?

You can use "driving rain" to describe weather conditions where rain is heavy and propelled by strong winds. For example: "The game was played in "driving rain"."

What are some alternatives to "driving rain"?

Alternatives include "heavy downpour", "torrential rain", or "pouring rain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "driving rain" in formal writing?

Yes, "driving rain" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific or journalistic contexts where accurate descriptions of weather conditions are necessary.

What is the difference between "driving rain" and "light drizzle"?

"Driving rain" describes heavy, wind-driven rain, while "light drizzle" refers to a very light rain falling in fine drops. The intensity and force of the rain are the key differences.