raining like crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

"raining like crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to heavy rainfall or a lot of rainfall happening quickly. Example: "I can't believe it's raining like crazy out there!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I was actually driving myself; it was two weeks ago, and it was raining like crazy," said Vettel.

The New York Times

"The Wednesday before that game," Michaels said, "I got a call from a friend of mine who was running a track meet in Miami and he said, 'Walt, it's raining like crazy down here; you've got to be worried.' " Michaels made inquiries and was told the Orange Bowl did not have the required tarp.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you are taking your daughter to get shoes and there's a parking space in front of the store and it's raining like crazy and somebody takes the spot at the last second, you say, 'Help mommy blow her bubbles,' " the psychologist instructed.

The New York Times - Health

It has been raining like crazy.

Los Angeles Times

From where we were located, you couldn't really tell the breadth of the destruction, other than the fact that downtown was completely deserted, all the traffic lights were out and it was raining like crazy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This year it's going to rain like crazy, so the saviors will be those distributing umbrellas and ponchos like GroupMe is doing.

TechCrunch

We had plans to have batting practice out on the field, but I can remember going over to Ford Field in a golf cart and getting rained on like crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

(They squeak like crazy).

The New York Times

It's, like, crazy.

The New Yorker

"Fish use them like crazy.

The New York Times

Men don't like crazy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "raining like crazy" in informal conversations or writing to vividly describe very heavy rainfall. It adds emphasis and is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "raining like crazy" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "heavy rainfall" or "torrential rain" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raining like crazy" functions as an idiomatic expression to intensify the description of rain. It emphasizes the severity and intensity of the rainfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raining like crazy" is an idiomatic expression used to describe very heavy rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, particularly in informal contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's best reserved for casual conversations or less formal writing. For professional or academic settings, alternatives like "heavy rainfall" or "torrential rain" are more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, adding a vivid and emphatic tone to descriptions of weather events. Remember to adjust your language to suit the context and audience to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raining cats and dogs

This is a classic idiom that means it's raining very heavily; it's a more traditional and widely recognized alternative.

pouring rain

This phrase directly describes heavy rain; it is a straightforward and commonly used alternative.

it's bucketing down

A British idiom indicating very heavy rain, suggesting that the rain is coming down as if poured from a bucket.

torrential rain

This describes rain that is falling in a large amount quickly, like a torrent or stream.

heavy downpour

This phrase emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the rain.

it's coming down in sheets

This idiom describes rain falling in wide, unbroken streams, resembling sheets of water.

the heavens opened

A somewhat dramatic expression indicating a sudden and intense downpour.

deluging

Implies a heavy and overwhelming amount of rain, similar to a flood or deluge.

pelting down

Describes rain hitting hard and fast, as if being thrown or pelted.

raining heavily

A more literal and less emphatic way of saying it's raining a lot.

FAQs

What does "raining like crazy" mean?

The phrase "raining like crazy" means that it is raining very heavily and intensely. It's an informal way to describe a significant downpour.

Is "raining like crazy" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "raining like crazy" is considered an informal expression. For formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "heavy rainfall" or "torrential rain".

What are some alternatives to "raining like crazy"?

Some alternatives include "raining cats and dogs", "pouring rain", or "heavy downpour". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "raining like crazy" in a sentence?

You can use "raining like crazy" in sentences like, "I can't believe it's "raining like crazy" outside!" or "We had to cancel the picnic because it was "raining like crazy".