it started to pour

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it started to pour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to refer to a sudden and heavy rain. For example: "Suddenly, it started to pour and we had to dash for shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We hadn't been out very long when it started to pour.

The New Yorker

Outside, there was a crack of thunder, and it started to pour.

The New Yorker

"I was glad to hit the tee shot before it started to pour," Lewis said.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year, it started to pour midway through the Connecticut College commencement.

The New York Times

As we inched out (following Andy's advice of "second gear, low revs"), it started to pour with rain.

The Guardian - Music

As if it weren't enough that we were watering these 3200+ plants by hand, we got done with two reps and it started to pour.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It starts to pour, but he does not move.

The Guardian

Let's go to that tree over there before it starts to pour.

The New Yorker

I was a bit worried when I saw it start to pour down with rain because I was concerned he may try to overplay things a little bit.

The Guardian - Sport

When it starts to pour, people duck under plastic tarps, if they have them, or huddle in shivering groups beneath the lush banana trees.

The New York Times

We're standing in a car park on the edge of Dartmoor, trying to get changed into running gear before it starts to pour.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to pour" to vividly describe the sudden onset of heavy rain in narratives, creating a sense of immediacy for the reader.

Common error

While effective, overusing "it started to pour" can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of rain with alternatives like "the rain intensified" or "a deluge began" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to pour" primarily functions as a descriptive clause within a sentence, indicating the commencement of heavy rainfall. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in setting a scene or describing an unexpected event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it started to pour" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the sudden beginning of heavy rainfall. According to Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news reporting, storytelling, and general descriptions. While effective, remember to vary your descriptions of rain to maintain reader engagement. Several alternative phrases exist, such as "it began to rain heavily" or "the heavens opened", depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to rain heavily

Emphasizes the intensity of the rain using 'heavily'.

it began pouring down

Highlights the downward motion of the rain.

the rain began to fall hard

Rephrases to emphasize the intensity of rainfall.

rain suddenly increased

Focuses on the abrupt change in rain intensity.

the heavens opened

A more figurative way of saying it started raining heavily.

a downpour commenced

Uses a more formal term, 'downpour', to describe the heavy rain.

the rain came down in sheets

Describes the rain's appearance as if it were a continuous sheet.

it let loose a deluge

Uses the term 'deluge' to emphasize the overwhelming amount of rain.

precipitation increased sharply

A more scientific way of indicating heavy rainfall.

the sky opened up

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

FAQs

What does "it started to pour" mean?

The phrase "it started to pour" describes the sudden commencement of heavy rainfall. It implies that the rain began quickly and with considerable intensity.

What can I say instead of "it started to pour"?

You can use alternatives like "it began to rain heavily", "the heavens opened", or "the rain came down in sheets" to add variety to your writing.

Is "it started to pour" formal or informal?

"It started to pour" is generally considered to be a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. More formal alternatives might include "heavy rainfall commenced".

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

You can use "it started to pour" to describe a sudden change in weather, such as: "We were halfway through our picnic when "it started to pour", forcing us to pack up quickly."