it started pouring

USAGE SUMMARY

"it started pouring" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means that it started raining heavily and quickly. For example: "I was walking home when it suddenly started pouring. I had to find shelter until the rain stopped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Amazon makes a mighty fine e-reader, and that hasn't changed even as it started pouring more resources into its Android-based tablets.

TechCrunch

Then it started pouring.

The New York Times - Sports

Not long after we got into the tent, it started pouring.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wore this beautiful yellow dress," she recalled, "but as I was going up to the mountains, it started pouring and there was mud everywhere.

The New York Times

Back then, China had so much money looking for a place to invest that it started pouring into U.S. real estate and other ill-fated investments.

The New Yorker

As soon as we were in the breakaway and it started pouring down, it meant the chasing group behind us had to go round each corner slower than we did, and our advantage crept up.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"But if it starts pouring, you are going to get wet".

The New York Times

Two details I vividly remember from that first viewing: the middle-aged couple sleeping outside on their balcony and frantically trying to save their mattress when it starts pouring rain; and the tip of Lars Thorwald's cigar glowing red in the darkness of his living room after the neighbours' dog is found strangled in the garden.

The Guardian - Film

Imagine you're at Bonnaroo and all of a sudden it starts pouring rain.

Huffington Post

Ted, always the believer, tries to convince her otherwise, just as it starts pouring.

Huffington Post

Still, officials say they want residents to be prepared to leave if it starts pouring.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started pouring" to vividly describe a sudden and heavy rainfall, adding impact to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it started pouring" when describing situations that don't involve literal rainfall. This phrase is specific to rain and should not be used metaphorically without careful consideration of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started pouring" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of heavy rainfall. Ludwig examples confirm its role in narrating the onset of inclement weather.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it started pouring" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the onset of heavy rain. According to Ludwig, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternative phrases exist, such as "rain began to fall heavily", the original phrase is widely understood and effectively conveys the sudden commencement of heavy rainfall. The fact that Ludwig AI recognizes its validity reinforces its established place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain began to fall heavily

Emphasizes the intensity and commencement of the rain.

rain started coming down hard

Highlights the force and suddenness of the rainfall.

heavy rain began

Focuses on the start of substantial rainfall.

rain intensified quickly

Indicates a rapid increase in the rain's intensity.

the heavens opened

A more dramatic and figurative way to describe the start of heavy rain.

a downpour began

Highlights the sudden start of a heavy shower.

the skies opened up

Similar to "the heavens opened", suggesting a sudden and dramatic rainfall.

it began to bucket down

Uses a colloquial expression for heavy rain.

the rain came in torrents

Emphasizes the torrential nature of the rain from its onset.

a deluge started

Focuses on the sudden beginning of a severe flood or heavy rain.

FAQs

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

You can use "it started pouring" to describe a sudden, heavy rainfall. For example, "We were halfway through our picnic when "it started pouring", and we had to pack everything up quickly."

What is a less common way to say "it started pouring"?

Alternatives include "the rain came down in torrents" or "the heavens opened", which are more dramatic ways to describe the onset of heavy rain.

Is "it started to pour" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it started to pour" is grammatically correct and means the same as ""it started pouring"". Both phrases are acceptable.

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

"It started pouring" describes the beginning of heavy rain, while "it was pouring" describes heavy rain that was already in progress.