pouring rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"pouring rain" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe heavy, intense rain that is falling in a continuous manner. Example: I was caught in the pouring rain on my way to work this morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's pouring rain.

The Economist

bus in a pouring rain.

The New Yorker

It was pouring rain.

The New York Times

A drum roll signifies the pouring rain.

The Guardian

Except maybe in the pouring rain".

The New York Times

"It could be pouring rain," a mother said.

The New Yorker

"We had people waiting on line in the pouring rain".

The New York Times - Arts

Fittingly, I landed in Casablanca under pouring rain last month.

The Washington Post

Also, it had been pouring rain for four hours.

The Guardian

It's pouring rain the morning we visit the gallery.

The New York Times - Magazine

That "I'll bring you flowers in the pouring rain" one.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pouring rain" to vividly describe situations where the intensity of rainfall is a key element. It adds a sense of drama or discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "pouring rain" when a simpler description like "heavy rain" suffices. Save it for situations where the intensity is significant and contributes to the narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pouring rain" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun (e.g., "the pouring rain"). Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in setting a scene or emphasizing the intensity of weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pouring rain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict heavy rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. It serves primarily to vividly describe weather conditions, often contributing to the atmosphere of a narrative. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, consider using "pouring rain" to emphasize the intensity of the rainfall, creating a stronger sensory experience for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

Emphasizes the intense and forceful nature of the rain.

heavy downpour

Focuses on the quantity of rain falling rapidly.

deluge

Implies an overwhelming amount of rain, often with a sense of being flooded.

buckets of rain

An idiomatic expression suggesting a large volume of rain.

sheets of rain

Describes the visual appearance of the rain falling in broad, continuous streams.

driving rain

Highlights the force and direction of the rain, often driven by wind.

pelting rain

Conveys the feeling of being struck by heavy raindrops.

incessant rain

Focuses on the continuous and unrelenting nature of the rain.

severe rainfall

Emphasizes the intensity and potential impact of the rain.

stormy weather

Broader term indicating the presence of very bad weather, specifically including rain

FAQs

How can I use "pouring rain" in a sentence?

You can use "pouring rain" to describe the weather, such as "We had to cancel the picnic because it was "pouring rain"" or "Despite the "pouring rain", the concert continued".

What are some synonyms for "pouring rain"?

Alternatives to "pouring rain" include "torrential rain", "heavy downpour", or "sheets of rain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pouring rain"?

Yes, "pouring rain" is grammatically correct. "Pouring" is a present participle used as an adjective to describe the intensity of the rain. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What's the difference between "pouring rain" and "light rain"?

"Pouring rain" describes very heavy rain, while "light rain" refers to a gentle rainfall. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum of rain intensity.