it start to rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it start to rain" is not correct in written English.
The correct form should be "it starts to rain." You can use this phrase when describing the beginning of rain. Example: "As we were hiking, it starts to rain, and we quickly sought shelter under a tree."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And not until 10 45, just as the ovation started at the end of the Philharmonic's performance of Ravel's "Boléro," the final work on this long double program, did it start to rain.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the sun starts to shine, it shines incredibly brightly and it's warm for a long time, and if it starts to rain, it never stops, and if its starts to snow, it never stops snowing either.

Global Health Action

It started to rain.

The New Yorker

It started to rain lightly.

The New York Times - Travel

And then it started to rain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Worse, it started to rain, soaking me.

The New York Times

Then it starts to rain.

The New York Times

"It starts to rain," he recalled.

The New York Times

It started to rain at the weekend.

The Guardian

As darkness falls it starts to rain.

The Guardian - Film

"It started to rain and then to thunder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct third-person singular form of the verb "start" when the subject is "it". The correct phrase is "it starts to rain".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb "start" with the singular pronoun "it". Using "it start to rain" is grammatically incorrect; ensure you use "it starts to rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it start to rain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form, "it starts to rain", functions as an intransitive verb phrase describing the commencement of rainfall. Ludwig shows examples of the correct usage, highlighting the verb agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it start to rain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct version is "it starts to rain". Ludwig indicates that while examples exist, they are primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure correct verb conjugation by using "starts" with the singular pronoun "it". Consider using alternatives such as "it begins to rain" or "it is starting to rain" for variety. Remember the proper form to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it begins to rain

Uses a different verb to express the commencement of rainfall.

it is starting to rain

Employs the present continuous tense to indicate ongoing commencement of rain.

it has started raining

Uses the present perfect continuous tense, focusing on an action that began in the past and continues to the present.

rain is beginning to fall

Rephrases to focus on the rain itself beginning its descent.

the rain is starting

Shortens the phrase, focusing on the rain's initiation.

the heavens are opening

A more figurative way to describe the onset of rain.

rain is coming down

Focuses on the action of the rain falling.

a downpour is commencing

Uses more formal language and implies heavy rain.

the weather is turning wet

Shifts the focus to the overall change in weather conditions.

precipitation is beginning

A more technical and formal way to describe the start of rainfall.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say that rain is beginning?

The grammatically correct way to say that rain is beginning is "it "it starts to rain"". You can also say "it "it begins to rain"" or "it is "it is starting to rain"".

Why is "it start to rain" grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "it start to rain" is grammatically incorrect because the verb "start" does not agree with the singular subject "it". In the present tense, the verb "start" requires an "-s" ending when used with singular pronouns like "he", "she", or "it".

Are there alternative phrases to "it starts to rain" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it "it begins to rain"", "it is "it is starting to rain"", or "the rain is "the rain is starting"".

How can I remember the correct verb conjugation for "it starts to rain"?

A simple way to remember is to think about other similar sentences: "he starts", "she starts", "it starts". Always add the "-s" to the verb when using these singular pronouns in the present tense.