rain lashed down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain lashed down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe heavy rain that falls with great force, often implying intensity and severity. Example: "As we huddled under the awning, the rain lashed down, soaking everything in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The rain lashed down and the wind whipped up to a speed of 45mph.

Independent

The crowds were large and rain lashed down as the coffin was lowered into the red earth.

The New Yorker

LONDON — While the wind swirled and the rain lashed down on Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea became the first team in England to beat Manchester City this season.

The New York Times - Sports

LONDON — The rain lashed down, the world champions were in town, and a historic upset brewed in the East End of Glasgow.

The New York Times - Sports

After Saturday's calm the rain lashed down and by the end of the day waves were crashing against the sea defences, sending spume high into the air.

The Guardian - Sport

As the rain lashed down, the main event was in danger of turning into the 4x100m freestyle but the skies above lightened and Bolt lightened the mood doing what Bolt always does.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Playing under moonlight, with rain lashing down around them, Radiohead never sounded more compelling.

The Guardian - Music

The Venusian skies would have been cloudy with almost continual rain lashing down in some regions, however.

The Guardian

With the rain lashing down, puddles fill the dark, narrow alleys, flanked on either side by tall, ramshackle tenements.

The Guardian

But at about 1.15am, with heavy rain lashing down, officers apparently attempted to wrestle Moat to the ground and the 17-stone steroid addict shot himself.

Independent

With rain lashing down on the white tarp in front of him, Girardi sat in the visitors dugout and explained why Phelps was batting eighth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rain lashed down" to vividly describe a heavy downpour, especially when emphasizing the force and intensity of the rain. It's particularly effective in setting a dramatic or intense mood in writing.

Common error

While "rain lashed down" is acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal or scientific writing, a more neutral term like "heavy rainfall" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. The phrase "rain lashed down" functions adverbially, modifying a verb or clause to describe how the rain fell. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various sentence structures, adding vivid detail to descriptions of weather events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rain lashed down" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to vividly describe heavy, forceful rainfall. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "rain poured down" and "rain beat down" offer similar meanings, "rain lashed down" uniquely emphasizes the almost violent intensity of the downpour. While appropriate for most general writing, be mindful of overuse in formal or scientific contexts where more neutral terminology may be preferred. It functions adverbially, adding descriptive detail and emphasis to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain poured down

This alternative emphasizes the volume of rain, focusing on its continuous and heavy flow.

rain beat down

This highlights the forceful impact of the rain, suggesting a more aggressive and intense downpour.

rain pelted down

Similar to 'beat down', this emphasizes the rapid and forceful striking of raindrops.

torrential rain fell

This uses the adjective 'torrential' to emphasize the powerful and uncontrolled nature of the rain.

rain came down in sheets

This depicts the rain falling in a continuous, unbroken flow, like a curtain.

rain teemed down

This emphasizes the abundance and profusion of the rain.

it rained cats and dogs

This is an idiomatic expression for very heavy rain, adding a touch of colloquialism.

rain fell heavily

This is a straightforward and less figurative way to describe the intensity of the rainfall.

rain cascaded down

This likens the rain to a waterfall, emphasizing its downward rush and volume.

the heavens opened

This is a more dramatic and literary way to describe a sudden and intense downpour.

FAQs

What does "rain lashed down" mean?

The phrase "rain lashed down" means that rain is falling heavily and forcefully, often accompanied by wind. It suggests an intense and somewhat violent downpour.

What are some synonyms for "rain lashed down"?

Alternatives include "rain poured down", "rain beat down", or "torrential rain fell". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rain lashed down" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "rain lashed down" might be considered too informal or evocative for some academic contexts. Consider using more neutral language like "heavy rainfall" depending on the field and specific requirements.

How can I use "rain lashed down" in a sentence?

Example usage: "As we huddled inside, the "rain lashed down", making it impossible to see across the street."