it rained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it rained" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe the occurrence of rain, often as a general statement or to provide information about the weather. Example: "I forgot my umbrella at home and of course, it rained all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It rained, it rained" . . .

The New Yorker

If it rained it rained.

The Guardian - Sport

It rained all night.

The Guardian

It rained, of course.

The New York Times

"Then it rained".

The New York Times

But then, it rained.

The New York Times

It rained overnight.

Princeton University

Another day it rained.

The New York Times - Travel

Then, it rained.

The Washington Post

Twice, it rained again.

The New York Times - Sports

It rained last night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it rained" to describe a past event simply and directly. It's suitable for most contexts, from casual conversation to news reports.

Common error

Avoid using "it rains" when referring to a specific past instance. "It rains" describes a recurring event, while "it rained" indicates a single occurrence in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it rained" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that rain occurred at some point in the past. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing specific events and general weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it rained" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that rain occurred in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is typically used in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and is most frequently found in News & Media sources. It serves to convey information about weather conditions or to set the stage for further details. While the phrase itself is simple, it is important to use the correct tense to avoid grammatical errors. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, this phrase is direct, clear, and widely understood, making it a versatile choice for expressing a past weather event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was raining

Focuses on the ongoing action of raining.

rain was falling

Similar to "it was raining", emphasizing the continuous nature of the rain.

there was rain

Emphasizes the existence of rain as a weather phenomenon.

rain fell

A slightly more poetic way of saying it rained.

it poured

Describes heavy rainfall.

rainfall occurred

A more formal way to state that rain happened.

it was a downpour

Highlights the intensity of the rainfall.

the rain started

Focuses on the beginning of the rain.

the heavens opened

An idiomatic expression for a sudden, heavy downpour.

precipitation occurred

A scientific or formal term for any form of water falling from the sky.

FAQs

How can I use "it rained" in a sentence?

Use "it rained" to describe a past event where rain occurred. For example, "The picnic was cancelled because "it rained" all morning".

What's the difference between "it rained" and "it was raining"?

"It rained" indicates a completed action in the past, while "it was raining" describes an ongoing action in the past. For example, "It rained yesterday" vs. "It was raining when I left the house".

What can I say instead of "it rained"?

You can use alternatives like "there was rain", "rain fell", or "it poured" depending on the context.

Is "it rained" formal or informal?

"It rained" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a straightforward way to describe a past weather event and is appropriate in various situations.