play in the rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play in the rain" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of enjoying oneself or participating in activities while it is raining. Example: "The children couldn't contain their excitement as they ran outside to play in the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Same at Roland Garros, making us play in the rain.

The New York Times

"Because you really don't want to play in the rain".

The New York Times - Sports

— If the Carolina Panthers can play in the rain, President Obama can speak in the rain.

The New York Times

"He likes to play in the rain," I said to myself.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tough to play in the rain, but I actually love the rain.

The New York Times - Sports

But campaign officials are turning to local officials for guidance with this overriding thought in mind: If the weather would be good enough for the Carolina Panthers to play in the rain, it will be good enough for the president.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

(O.K., perhaps playing in the rain).

The New York Times

Don't you just hate playing in the rain?

The New York Times - Sports

Playing in the rain has advantages, Mowlds said, especially if you know the rules.

The New York Times - Sports

But I've come to see that successfully playing in the rain is a mind-set.

The New York Times - Sports

"A thunderstorm came up, and we were playing in the rain.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an outdoor event that takes place during rainy conditions, mention the phrase "play in the rain" in order to transmit a message of resilience.

Common error

While "play in the rain" is a vivid and evocative phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. If you overuse the phrase, your content may seem uninspired and repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to convey the same idea without relying on the cliche.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play in the rain" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action. It is commonly used to describe an enjoyable outdoor activity during rainfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play in the rain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that evokes a sense of joy and freedom in challenging weather conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for everyday language, news, and creative writing. While it's not typically used in formal academic or scientific contexts, it's well-understood and conveys a positive, resilient attitude. The phrase is particularly frequent in news and media, reflecting its broad appeal. Alternative phrases include "have fun in the rain" or "splash in the puddles", each offering slightly different nuances while retaining the core message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have fun in the rain

Emphasizes the enjoyment aspect of being in the rain.

frolic in the downpour

Replaces "play" with a more whimsical verb and "rain" with a synonym.

enjoy the rainy weather

Shifts the focus to enjoying the weather itself, rather than the activity.

dance in the rain

Specifies a particular activity that can be done in the rain.

revel in the rainfall

Uses a more formal verb to describe enjoying the rain.

splash in the puddles

Focuses on a specific activity often associated with rain.

embrace the rain

Focuses on accepting and enjoying the rain.

get wet and wild in the rain

Adds a sense of excitement and abandon to the activity.

brave the rain for recreation

Highlights the act of overcoming the weather to engage in leisure.

spend time outdoors during rainfall

A more descriptive and less idiomatic way of expressing the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "play in the rain" in a sentence?

You can use "play in the rain" to describe an activity enjoyed during rainfall, such as "The children love to "have fun in the rain"", or to evoke a sense of nostalgia, like "I remember "frolicking in the downpour" as a child".

What are some alternatives to "play in the rain"?

Alternatives include "have fun in the rain", "splash in the puddles", or "dance in the rain", depending on the specific activity you want to describe.

Is it always appropriate to use "play in the rain"?

While generally appropriate, consider the context. In formal writing, a more descriptive phrase like "engaging in outdoor activities during rainfall" might be more suitable, while "play in the rain" is perfect for informal or creative contexts.

What does it mean to "play in the rain" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "play in the rain" can mean embracing challenges or finding joy in difficult circumstances. It suggests resilience and a positive attitude, similar to "embrace the rain" instead of avoiding it.