it started drizzling

USAGE SUMMARY

"it started drizzling" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a complete clause and can function as a standalone sentence. You can use this phrase to describe the beginning of a light rain, usually in the past tense. For example: - The picnic was going well until it started drizzling and we had to pack up and leave. - I was walking my dog when it started drizzling, so I hurried home before it began pouring. - We were enjoying our morning hike until it started drizzling, forcing us to take cover under some trees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It started drizzling, then raining, then pouring, then snowing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's started drizzling again.

The Guardian - Sport

It has started drizzling in Mohali, but for now play goes on.

The Guardian - Sport

[The following day, Alix returned to the village, to report for the Sunday Express] The rain held off until teatime then started drizzling.

The Guardian

Forget olive oil: it's time to start drizzling British rapeseed oil over your rocket salad.

The Guardian - Money

If you are the type to start drizzling fat gravy over your loaded nachos just because you are off your routine, have A Non-Negotiable snow day Workout Plan that you can do anywhere.

Huffington Post

Soon it started to drizzle.

The New York Times - Health

When the coals were glowing, it started to drizzle.

The New York Times

The sky was gloomy, and soon it started to drizzle.

The New Yorker

As we drove to the tiny hilltop village, it started to drizzle, then pour.

The New York Times - Travel

About the time the players finished warming up Friday, it started to drizzle again, but the match resumed anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started drizzling" to create a sense of atmosphere or to signal a change in the weather during a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using present or future tenses when describing an event that has already begun. Instead of "it starts drizzling", use the past tense: "it started drizzling".

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Clause of Time. "It started drizzling" functions as an adverbial clause, specifically indicating when something else happened or changed. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase describes the beginning of a light rain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it started drizzling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the onset of light rain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a complete clause, often setting a scene or indicating a change in circumstances within a narrative. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Related phrases offer similar descriptions with subtle variations, while best practices advise using it to enrich narratives. Avoiding incorrect tense usage is crucial. The phrase's versatility and clarity make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to sprinkle

Uses the word "sprinkle" to describe the light rain.

a light rain began

Focuses on the type of rain and its commencement.

a fine rain began

Specifies the fineness of the rain.

the rain began to fall lightly

Emphasizes the gentle nature of the rain's start.

drizzle commenced

Uses a more formal term for light rain.

a misty rain started

Describes the rain as misty.

light rain set in

Highlights the establishment of a light rain condition.

the weather turned drizzly

Focuses on the change in weather conditions.

the first drops of rain fell

Focuses on the initial raindrops.

the heavens opened with a drizzle

Figurative language to emphasize the start of the rain.

FAQs

How can I use "it started drizzling" in a sentence?

You can use "it started drizzling" to describe the beginning of a light rainfall, such as: "We were having a picnic, but "it started drizzling", so we had to pack up and go home."

What's a synonym for "it started drizzling"?

Alternatives include "a light rain began", "it began to sprinkle", or "the rain began to fall lightly".

Is "it started to drizzle" grammatically correct, or is "it started drizzling" better?

Both "it started to drizzle" and "it started drizzling" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The latter is slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "it was drizzling" and "it started drizzling"?

"It was drizzling" describes an ongoing condition of light rain, while ""it started drizzling"" indicates the commencement of that light rain.