it is storming

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is storming" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a current weather condition, specifically when there is a severe storm taking place. Example: "I was planning on going for a walk, but it is storming outside, so I'll have to stay inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is storming outside and I am inside Marc Jacobs dilapidated beach where it is 100000000 degrees.… http://t.co/B96E1sPsQ2 — Malina Gilchrist (@Malinagilchrist) 12 Sep 13 Get thee some fringe for next spring, like on this long floppy clutch @CalvinKlein #nyfw http://t.co/28snYcZMC5 — Bee (Chang) Shapiro (@BeeShapiro) 12 Sep 13 Tech and tropical in Ryu Hayama's first #FingersCrossed show.

The New York Times

The closest Android vendor is Samsung, but while it is storming in overall mobile sales, in terms of actively used smartphones, it appears to be at only 14.91 percent.

TechCrunch

If it is storming, put in your horses!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"And it was storming and raining outside".

The New York Times

Let me turn the rain on.' "And it wasn't just sprinkling — it was storming.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's storming across the desert on a nice red motorbike.

The Guardian - Music

It was storming outside.

Vice

Ten years ago tonight, it was storming.

Huffington Post

And when it's storming outside?

Huffington Post

It was storming pretty good, so we wrote this song together.

Huffington Post

If it's storming outside get wet and open her door.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is storming" to describe the current weather condition when a storm with heavy rain and possibly thunder and lightning is happening. This is a straightforward and easily understood way to communicate the immediate weather situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is storming" when you mean a metaphorical storm or a difficult situation that is not related to weather. Instead, use phrases like "a crisis is brewing" or "trouble is coming" to describe non-weather-related turmoil.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is storming" is to act as a present continuous tense, describing an ongoing weather event. It is used to indicate that a storm is actively occurring at the time of speaking or writing. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is storming" is a grammatically correct and easily understood way to describe a current weather condition involving a storm. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wiki entries. When writing, it's best to reserve it for literal storms and avoid using it metaphorically. Instead, consider alternatives such as "a crisis is brewing" or other descriptions from the related phrases section. While several sources use the expression, the main authoritative sources are The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a storm is raging

Changes the verb to "raging" providing a more intense description of the storm.

there's a heavy storm

Uses a different structure to convey the same meaning; focuses on the severity.

a tempest is brewing

Employs more literary language, suggesting an impending or intensifying storm.

the weather is tumultuous

Replaces "storming" with an adjective describing turbulent weather conditions.

severe weather is upon us

Shifts the focus to the impact of the weather rather than the specific phenomenon of a storm.

the skies are unleashing fury

A more dramatic and figurative way of describing a storm.

a deluge is occurring

Focuses specifically on the heavy rainfall aspect of a storm.

the heavens are weeping

A poetic and metaphorical way to describe heavy rain.

the elements are violent

Broadens the scope to include all aspects of severe weather, not just a storm.

bad weather is here

A simpler, less specific way to indicate unfavorable weather conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "it is storming" in a sentence?

You can use "it is storming" to describe the present weather condition when a storm is actively occurring, like in the sentence: "We can't go outside right now because "it is storming"."

What are some alternatives to "it is storming"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "a storm is raging", "there's a heavy storm", or "a tempest is brewing", depending on the level of formality and the specific aspect of the storm you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "it is storm" instead of "it is storming"?

No, "it is storm" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase to describe the present weather condition is "it is storming", which uses the present continuous tense.

What's the difference between "it is storming" and "there is a storm"?

"It is storming" describes a storm that is currently happening. "There is a storm" can refer to a current storm or a general condition where storms are frequent or expected.