it is hailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hailing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the weather condition when ice pellets are falling from the sky. Example: "As we stepped outside, we were surprised to find that it is hailing, so we quickly ran back inside for cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ecover, a Belgian company, has been working with manufacturer Logoplaste to combine plastic trawled from the sea with a plastic made from sugarcane (which it calls Plant-astic) and recycled plastic, in what it is hailing as a world-first for packaging.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is hailed as the most generous stipend of its kind.

Yale University

Since its release the film's reputation has grown, and it is hailed as Whale's masterpiece.

Wikipedia

It is hailed as an early classic of cinema verite.

The Washington Post

It is hailed as a healthcare revolution but can the NHS deliver it?

BBC

It is hailed as the first hard evidence of altruism for the young field of behavioral economics.

Science Magazine

It is hailed as a bread that lasts longer, is easier to digest and has a unique tangy taste.

BBC

But it's hailing.

The New Yorker

2.01pm BST It's hailing.

The Guardian - Sport

It was "hailing like snow" in Arlington, Va., said Elizabeth Trentacost.

The Washington Post

This time, it was hailing alleged concessions from the European Union to avert the escalating trade war Trump launched.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is hailing" to describe an ongoing weather event where ice pellets are falling. It is best suited for direct observations or reports.

Common error

Avoid using "it is hailing" when the precipitation is clearly sleet or snow. Hail consists of ice pellets, while sleet is a mix of rain and snow, and snow is composed of ice crystals. Ensure the observed precipitation matches the definition of hail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hailing" functions as a declarative statement describing a weather condition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It reports an ongoing event of ice pellets falling from the sky.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is hailing" accurately describes the weather condition where ice pellets fall from the sky. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as common as other expressions, it is generally appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the precipitation observed is indeed hail, distinguishing it from sleet or snow. Its directness and clarity make it a useful descriptor in reporting weather conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's hailing

Contraction of "it is", making it more informal.

hail is falling

Describes the weather phenomenon directly, focusing on the precipitation.

we're having hail

Shifts the focus to the experience of hail, less formal.

hailstones are falling

More descriptive, specifying the form of precipitation.

it is hailing stones

Emphasizes the icy nature of the precipitation.

there is a hailstorm

Indicates a more intense weather event involving hail.

a hailstorm is occurring

Formal way to state there is a hailstorm.

the sky is hailing

Attributing the hail to the sky, poetic.

hail is coming down

Emphasizes the descent of the hail.

we are getting a hailstorm

Focuses on the reception of a hailstorm.

FAQs

What's the difference between "it is hailing" and "it is sleeting"?

While both describe winter precipitation, "it is hailing" refers to falling ice pellets, while "it is sleeting" describes a mix of rain and snow or partially melted snow.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is hailing"?

Use "it is hailing" when you observe ice pellets falling from the sky. It is a direct description of a specific weather phenomenon.

Are there other ways to describe hail besides saying "it is hailing"?

Yes, you could say "hail is falling", "we're having hail", or "there is a hailstorm" depending on the intensity and how you want to phrase it.

Is "it is hailing" formal or informal?

"It is hailing" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both casual conversation and news reports. The contraction "it's hailing" is slightly more informal.