raining heavily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raining heavily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant amount of rain falling. Example: "We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining heavily all afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's raining heavily.

The New Yorker

It was also raining heavily.

The Guardian - Sport

Pictures show it's raining heavily.

The Guardian - Sport

It was raining heavily that evening.

The New York Times - Magazine

I couldn't stop; it was raining heavily.

The New York Times

For the past few days it has been raining heavily.

The New Yorker

And, ideally, it wouldn't be raining heavily or the middle of the night.

The New Yorker

It was raining heavily and a lot of ghee was used.

The Guardian

It had been raining heavily here, but stopped moments before the Obamas emerged.

The New York Times

I was pleased… until it started raining heavily the next week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it is raining heavily sometimes the water comes inside the tent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raining heavily" to vividly describe situations with significant rainfall. It adds more impact than simply saying "it's raining".

Common error

While "raining heavily" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "heavy precipitation" or "torrential rainfall" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raining heavily" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to provide details about the intensity of the rain. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raining heavily" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe significant rainfall. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as sports reporting, where vivid descriptions of weather conditions are often necessary. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts may benefit from more precise terminology. Remember to use this phrase to effectively convey the intensity of rainfall, and consider context when choosing among similar alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouring down

Focuses on the intensity and downward motion of the rain.

torrential rain

Emphasizes the volume and force of the rain.

raining cats and dogs

An idiomatic expression for very heavy rain.

heavy rainfall

A more formal and direct way to describe significant rain.

bucketing down

Similar to "pouring down", highlighting intensity.

downpour

Refers to a sudden and heavy fall of rain.

coming down in sheets

Describes the rain falling in a continuous, dense flow.

pelting down

Suggests that the rain is hitting with force.

deluging

Implies a severe flood or heavy downpour.

storming

Describes a rain with the addition of thunderstorm.

FAQs

How can I use "raining heavily" in a sentence?

You can use "raining heavily" to describe a situation with intense rainfall, such as "It was "raining heavily" during the storm, making it difficult to see the road".

What are some alternatives to saying "raining heavily"?

Alternatives include "pouring down", "torrential rain", or the idiom "raining cats and dogs", depending on the desired level of formality and impact.

Is it correct to say "raining heavily"?

Yes, "raining heavily" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe significant rainfall. It's widely accepted and understood in English.

What is the difference between "raining heavily" and "raining lightly"?

"Raining heavily" indicates a substantial amount of rain, while "raining lightly" suggests a small amount, often referred to as a drizzle or sprinkle.