rain set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain set in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the onset or beginning of rain, often indicating that it will continue for a period of time. Example: "After a long, dry spell, the rain set in, soaking the parched ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Rain halted any further progress for South Africa but when rain set in, Clarke - the second centurion of the innings after David Warner's 135 on the opening day - had hit 11 fours and scored the second hundred of his career at Newlands.

BBC

The rain set in, one huge Noah douche.

The New Yorker

"A cold stormy rain set in" – unseasonal for July.

The Guardian - Books

On the allotment yesterday, the rain set in for most of the afternoon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His first effort was September in the Rain, set in a mining community.

The Guardian

"Monday is expected to bring a brief respite from the stormy conditions before more strong winds and rain set in from the west on Tuesday.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Athletes train on a gravel track a few miles outside of town that floods quickly when heavy rain sets in, preventing training.

The New York Times - Sports

The smaller stand behind the tee was full too, as the bigger names began to arrive, with heavy rain setting in.

The Guardian - Sport

Past the electronic fences (to keen potential invaders out), on a wide beach, a long white table cloth is spread, and we settle down to a picnic feast of fresh calamari, crab, yellow corvina, anchovies, seaweed, and beer, just before a bruise of clouds fills the space between earth and sky, and the rain sets in.

Huffington Post

The rain sets in by the time we leave Zalengi.

Unicef

Lack of proper latrines in informal settlement sites such as this one brings serious health risks: When the rain sets in, water contaminated by human faeces can easily spread waterborne diseases.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rain set in" to convey a sense of the rain settling in for a prolonged period, rather than just a brief shower.

Common error

Avoid using "rain set in" to describe a short, passing shower. The phrase implies a more persistent and established period of rainfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rain set in" functions as a description of the onset of a period of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to describe the beginning of persistent rain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rain set in" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the commencement of rainfall, often suggesting a sustained period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When choosing an alternative, consider the precise meaning you want to convey: a simple start (the "rain began") or a brief shower (passing shower). Remember that "rain set in" is not appropriate for a quick sprinkle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain began

Focuses on the commencement of rainfall, simpler than "rain set in".

rain started

Similar to "rain began", emphasizing the initial point of rainfall.

it started raining

Emphasizes the action of raining, rather than the state.

rain commenced

A more formal way of saying rain began.

downpour began

Specifically refers to a heavy rainfall starting.

the heavens opened

Idiomatic expression indicating a sudden and heavy downpour.

precipitation started

More technical term for rainfall beginning.

rain intensified

Suggests the rain was already present but became heavier.

the skies opened up

Similar to "the heavens opened", suggesting a dramatic start to rainfall.

the deluge began

Emphasizes a massive amount of rain, often implying flooding.

FAQs

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

You can use "rain set in" to describe the onset of a period of rain, such as, "After a week of sunshine, the rain set in, and the forecast predicts it will last for days."

What are some alternatives to "rain set in"?

Consider using phrases like "the "rain began"", "it started raining", or "the "downpour began"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rain set in" formal or informal?

"Rain set in" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "precipitation commenced" exist for highly formal writing.

What is the difference between "rain set in" and "rain started"?

While similar, "rain set in" suggests the rain has established itself and is likely to continue, whereas "rain started" simply indicates the beginning of rainfall without implying duration.