it started to drizzle

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it started to drizzle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a change from clear to cloudy weather. For example: "We were enjoying the sunny day but suddenly it started to drizzle and we had to go inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

"Then it started to drizzle and I didn't want to take any risks and he [Vettel] passed me, and I was told I had to get in front of him.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It starts to drizzle.

The New Yorker

Lap 59: TV cameras show the crowds waving their macs about... is it starting to drizzle?

The Guardian - Sport

And there is no longer a need to rush outside and pull off the cushions when it starts to drizzle.

The New York Times

Often, the sun decides it's not ready for a warm spring day, the grey clouds roll in and it starts to drizzle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It starts to drizzle, and they put out their cigarettes, offering one last indication that even in Ukip-land, simple human understanding can at least occasionally find a way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to drizzle" to set a scene or describe a change in weather conditions, especially when the rain is light and intermittent. It adds a touch of realism to narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "it started to drizzle" metaphorically for situations that don't involve actual light rain. The phrase is specifically related to weather and using it otherwise can sound odd.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to drizzle" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to depict a change in weather conditions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing the onset of light rain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started to drizzle" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe the beginning of light rain. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for general use. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, used to set scenes or provide weather updates. While simple, it effectively conveys a specific atmospheric condition, offering a straightforward way to add detail to narratives or reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rain began to sprinkle

Uses 'sprinkle' to denote a very light rain, similar to drizzle.

a light rain began to fall

Emphasizes the beginning of a light rainfall with more descriptive language.

it began to spit

Uses the word 'spit', a colloquial term for very light rain.

a soft rain initiated

Highlights the gentle nature of the rain as it begins.

a fine mist commenced

Describes the onset of a mist, which is a very fine and light form of precipitation.

the first drops of rain appeared

Focuses on the initial appearance of raindrops, indicating the start of rain.

the weather turned showery

Suggests the start of intermittent light showers.

the atmosphere moistened

Describes a general increase in atmospheric moisture, hinting at the beginning of light rain.

the heavens opened slightly

A more figurative way of saying light rain began.

precipitation commenced in a light form

A formal way of saying that light precipitation began.

FAQs

What does "it started to drizzle" mean?

The phrase "it started to drizzle" means that a very light rain began to fall. It suggests a gentle and often intermittent rainfall, less intense than a shower or downpour.

What's a more descriptive way to say "it started to drizzle"?

Instead of "it started to drizzle", you could say "a light rain began to fall" or "the rain began to sprinkle". These phrases offer a slightly more detailed description of the light rain.

Is it correct to say "it began to drizzle" instead of "it started to drizzle"?

Yes, "it began to drizzle" is perfectly correct and essentially interchangeable with "it started to drizzle". Both phrases have the same meaning and are grammatically sound.

How can I use "it started to drizzle" in a sentence?

You can use "it started to drizzle" to describe the weather: "We were having a picnic, but "it started to drizzle", so we packed up and went home."