rain is falling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain is falling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the current weather conditions, indicating that rain is actively coming down. Example: "As I looked out the window, I noticed that rain is falling, making the streets glisten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Rain is falling.

The New York Times

Rain is falling harder.

The Guardian - Sport

Rain is falling, and so is night.

The New Yorker

But rain is falling, foiling his plans.

The New York Times - Books

Rain is falling pretty lightly but steadily now.

The New York Times

Against the hemlocks, the rain is falling in dim, straight lines.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A steady rain was falling.

The New Yorker

A faint rain was falling.

The New Yorker

A light rain was falling.

The New Yorker

While this was going on, more rain was falling.

The New Yorker

When he opened his eyes, a light rain was falling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rain is falling" to create a sense of immediacy or to emphasize the ongoing nature of the rainfall. For variety, alternate with more common phrases like "it's raining".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "rain is falling" can sound slightly formal or unnatural in casual conversation. Opt for "it's raining" or another more common alternative to avoid sounding stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rain is falling" functions as a declarative statement describing an ongoing weather condition. It utilizes the present continuous tense to indicate an action in progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rain is falling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the current weather condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, primarily within the News & Media sector. While perfectly acceptable, it's worth noting that "it's raining" is often a more concise and natural alternative in everyday conversation. Consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing between these options. While not incorrect, overuse may lead to slightly awkward phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's raining

This is a more concise and common way to express the same idea.

the rain's coming down

This phrase emphasizes the downward motion of the rain.

rain is pouring

Indicates heavy rainfall.

precipitation is occurring

This is a more formal and scientific way to describe the event.

a downpour is happening

Highlights a sudden and heavy fall of rain.

showers are developing

Implies the rain is starting or becoming more intense.

it is drizzling

Describes a light rain.

rain is pattering

Focuses on the sound of rain.

the sky is crying

Metaphorically describes the rain.

the heavens are weeping

A metaphorical and dramatic way to describe rain.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "rain is falling"?

The most common and natural alternative is "it is raining".

Is "rain is falling" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rain is falling" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense to describe an action happening now.

When is it appropriate to use "rain is falling" instead of "it's raining"?

Using "rain is falling" can add a touch of formality or emphasis, making it suitable for descriptive writing or situations where you want to highlight the continuous action. However, in most everyday conversations, "it's raining" is preferred.

What can I say instead of "rain is falling" to describe heavy rain?

To describe heavy rain, you could use phrases like "rain is pouring", "it's downpouring", or "there's a downpour".