rain let up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain let up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the force or intensity of the rain starts to decrease or lessen. For example, "The wind was blowing hard, but eventually the rain let up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The rain let up that afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

The rain let up, and then started again.

The New Yorker

The sky darkened but the rain let up, and each team sank into a malaise.

The New York Times - Sports

Because I was finally kitted out properly, the rain let up the next morning.

The New York Times - Travel

When the rain let up a bit, I strolled through the little garden beds surrounding the poolside patio.

The New York Times - Travel

Even when the rain let up, you could judge the quality of the coming pavement by the detonations of spray when a car hit a brimming pothole.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

12 30 p.m. | Updated The U.S. Open is still under indefinite delay, with no sign of the rain letting up.

The New York Times

When the rain lets up, the tree stops.

Huffington Post

"If you're sitting in the Houston area and you see a break and the rain lets up, don't let your guard down.

Huffington Post

They said we could stay in their shed until the rains let up and the road was passable.

The New Yorker

When the rains let up, she convenes a meeting of mothers.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rain let up" to describe a noticeable decrease in the intensity or volume of rainfall. It implies a temporary or permanent reduction, not necessarily a complete stop.

Common error

Avoid using "rain let up" if the rain has completely stopped. Opt for phrases like "rain stopped" or "rain ceased" to indicate a full termination of rainfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rain let up" functions as a phrasal verb, describing a change in the state of the weather. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It signifies a reduction in the intensity of rainfall, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rain let up" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a decrease in the intensity of rainfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable and appropriate phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, with occasional use in formal business settings, it serves to inform or describe a change in weather conditions. While "rain stopped" indicates a complete cessation, "rain let up" suggests a reduction, implying a possible resumption. Alternatives like "rain subsided" and "rain eased off" offer similar nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a lessening of the rain, rather than its complete end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain subsided

Focuses on the reduction in intensity of the rain.

rain eased off

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in the rain's intensity.

rain stopped

Indicates a complete cessation of the rainfall.

rain abated

Suggests a more significant and prolonged decrease in rainfall.

rain diminished

Highlights the lessening of the rain's strength or volume.

rainfall decreased

A more formal way of saying the rain became less intense.

the storm calmed down

Broader phrase encompassing the calming of the entire storm, not just the rain.

the downpour ceased

Specifically refers to the end of a heavy rainfall.

the skies cleared

Focuses on the visual change in the sky as the rain stops.

weather improved

A general statement that the weather became better, including the rain stopping.

FAQs

How can I use "rain let up" in a sentence?

You can use "rain let up" to describe a situation where the rain's intensity decreases, for example, "The game was delayed, but the "rain let up" after an hour."

What are some alternatives to saying "rain let up"?

Alternatives include "rain subsided", "rain eased off", or "rain stopped", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the rains let up"?

Yes, "the rains let up" is correct and refers to multiple instances or a period of rainfall decreasing in intensity. It's suitable when referring to a rainy season or a series of rain events.

What's the difference between "rain let up" and "rain stopped"?

"Rain let up" implies a decrease in intensity, while "rain stopped" indicates a complete cessation. The former suggests a possible resumption, while the latter indicates the rain has ended.