rain is imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'rain is imminent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where rain is about to fall or is imminent. For example: "Dark clouds are gathering in the sky - rain is imminent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As you and your friend meander, the Dark Sky app taps you to tell you that hard rain is imminent.

TechCrunch

There is a feeling that more rain is imminent - so these precious few minutes could end up dictating the qualifying positions, should things not improve.

BBC

Nimbostratus clouds hang low and heavy in the sky, and mean rain is imminent.

WikiHow

If rain is imminent, plant before it falls rather than after.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

No rain was imminent.

The New Yorker

Craig Kieswetter had time to examine the skies to check whether any more rain was imminent before removing the bails.

The Guardian - Sport

He knew the rain was imminent, it made him play more aggressively and that was a really good sign.

BBC

You feel like your skin is coming off' - but monsoon rains are imminent.

Independent

The rains being imminent, we are practically the only guests here.

Forbes

But last year it didn't rain enough, and now a crisis is imminent.

Unicef

Labour mobility is imminent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rain is imminent" when you want to create a sense of urgency or anticipation regarding upcoming rainfall. It's suitable for weather reports, dramatic narratives, or situations where knowing about the rain is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "rain is imminent" in everyday conversation where simpler phrases like "it's going to rain" or "rain is coming" are more appropriate. The phrase's formality can sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rain is imminent" functions as a predictive statement, indicating a high probability of rainfall occurring in the near future. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rain is imminent" is a correct and usable expression indicating that rain is about to happen, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and found in reputable sources, its frequency is rare, suggesting it's not an everyday expression. Its primary contexts include news, wiki and formal business communications. When writing, reserve "rain is imminent" for situations where you want to convey urgency or a high probability of immediate rainfall. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "rain is coming" are preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain is coming

Replaces "imminent" with a simpler, more direct term.

rain is expected

Emphasizes a forecast or prediction of rain.

rain is anticipated

Highlights the expectation or anticipation of rain.

rain is near

Uses a spatial metaphor to indicate the approaching rain.

rain is on its way

Offers a more descriptive and slightly less formal way to say rain is coming.

rain is close

Similar to "rain is near", focusing on the proximity of the rain.

rain is approaching

Emphasizes the act of rain moving closer.

downpour is imminent

Specifies a heavy rainfall, adding intensity to the expectation.

a storm is brewing

Indicates a larger weather event is developing, not just rain.

the heavens are about to open

A metaphorical expression for the rain starting soon.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "rain is imminent"?

Saying "rain is imminent" means that rain is expected to happen very soon. It suggests that the rain is just about to start or is very likely to start in a short period of time.

What can I say instead of "rain is imminent"?

You can use alternatives like "rain is coming", "rain is expected", or "rain is approaching" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "rain is eminent" instead of "rain is imminent"?

No, it's not correct. "Eminent" means famous or respected, while "imminent" means about to happen. The correct phrase to indicate that rain is about to happen is "rain is imminent".

How do weather forecasts use the phrase "rain is imminent"?

Weather forecasts might use "rain is imminent" to emphasize that rainfall is expected to begin shortly, especially when conditions are rapidly changing to indicate an immediate likelihood of rain.