raining outside

USAGE SUMMARY

'raining outside' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the current weather conditions. For example: "It's raining outside, so take an umbrella with you when you go out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's raining outside," she explained.

The Guardian

It's raining outside and Olivier is drenched.

The Guardian - Film

"But it's raining outside," the saleswoman replied.

The New York Times

"And it was storming and raining outside".

The New York Times

It's raining outside, so I immediately go back to sleep.

The Guardian - Film

It was raining outside, and I wrote it".

The Guardian - Music

You come to work, it seems like it's raining outside, even when the sun is shining.

The New York Times - Sports

If it was raining outside, I can't get mad if it's raining.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wouldn't go because I was too lazy or it was raining outside," he said.

The New York Times

It was raining outside, and on the way over he'd gotten his pants and long johns soaked.

The New Yorker

They're the kind of person who, if you tell them it's raining outside, they'll fight you tooth and nail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raining outside" to clearly and directly communicate the current weather condition, especially when its impact is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "raining outside" metaphorically when describing emotional states. While weather metaphors can be effective, "raining outside" is best reserved for literal descriptions of precipitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raining outside" functions primarily as a descriptive statement about the prevailing weather conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and commonly used expression. It indicates that precipitation is currently occurring outdoors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raining outside" is a straightforward and commonly used expression to describe the current weather condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Analysis of the examples reveals that it primarily functions to inform and provide context, especially in news and media. While versatile, it is best used for literal descriptions of precipitation. Alternative phrases, such as "it's pouring down" or "rain is falling", can offer more vivid or idiomatic expressions, but "raining outside" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a rainy day

Focuses on the type of day rather than the specific current condition.

it's pouring down

Emphasizes the intensity of the rain.

rain is falling

A more descriptive and literal way of expressing the weather condition.

rain is coming down

Similar to "rain is falling", but with a sense of ongoing action.

there's a downpour

Highlights a sudden and heavy rainfall event.

the heavens are weeping

A metaphorical way to describe heavy rain.

it's a wet one out there

An idiomatic expression indicating rainy conditions.

it's drizzling

Specifies a light rain.

the sky is crying

Another metaphorical way to describe rain, focusing on the sky's appearance.

the weather is wet

A general statement about the rainy conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "raining outside" to describe the current weather. For example, "It's "raining outside", so don't forget your umbrella."

What is a more descriptive alternative to "raining outside"?

Instead of "raining outside", you could say "it's pouring down" or "rain is falling" for a more vivid description.

Is it ever incorrect to say "raining outside"?

The phrase "raining outside" is generally correct when referring to actual rain. However, avoid using it metaphorically in situations where literal weather descriptions are inappropriate.

What are some idiomatic alternatives to "raining outside"?

You could use phrases like "it's a wet one out there" or "the heavens are weeping" for a more colorful expression, depending on the context.