rainy day

USAGE SUMMARY

"rainy day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a day that is marked by rain. For example: "It was a rainy day, so I decided to stay inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rainy day?

The Guardian - Travel

Perfect for a rainy day.

The Guardian - Travel

Great for a rainy day.

The Guardian - Travel

Even on a rainy day.

The New York Times - Travel

"Rainy Day," by Christoph Niemann.

The New Yorker

Saved for a rainy day.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Summer-rainy day brings further drop in heat gain.

Renewable Energy

Our rainy-day fund?

The New York Times

Where's the rainy-day fund?

The New York Times

Even states' "rainy-day" funds have evaporated.

The New York Times

Gov. Brown's Rainy-Day Budget Making.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rainy day" metaphorically (e.g., saving for a "rainy day"), ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to a time of need or difficulty, not literal weather.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience will automatically understand the figurative sense of "rainy day" (a time of hardship). Explicitly state the context if there's a chance of misinterpretation to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rainy day" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "rainy" modifies the noun "day". As shown by Ludwig, it can function literally, describing a day with rainfall, or metaphorically, referring to a time of hardship or need.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

The New Yorker

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rainy day" is a common and versatile term in the English language. Grammatically sound, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a day characterized by rain, but also employed metaphorically to represent a time of hardship or need. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. With examples spanning across news, wiki, science, and formal business contexts, its adaptability is evident. When using the term metaphorically, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. From saving for a "rainy day" to finding indoor activities, the concept resonates with preparedness and resourcefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day of rain

A more literal description of a day characterized by rain.

inclement weather

Refers to severe or unpleasant weather conditions, similar to a "rainy day".

wet weather

Focuses on the wet aspect of the weather, akin to the rain in a "rainy day".

stormy day

Highlights the stormy nature of the weather, potentially including rain.

damp day

Focuses on the dampness and moisture associated with rainy conditions.

overcast day

Emphasizes the cloudiness often associated with a "rainy day".

day with showers

Describes a day where rainfall occurs intermittently.

drizzly day

Describes a day with light rain, a milder version of a "rainy day".

bad weather day

A broader term encompassing various types of unfavorable weather, including rain.

poor weather day

Similar to "bad weather day", referring to unpleasant weather conditions.

FAQs

What does it mean to save for a "rainy day"?

Saving for a "rainy day" means setting aside resources, typically money, to prepare for a future time of need or unexpected difficulty. It's about financial security and readiness for unforeseen challenges.

How can I use "rainy day" in a sentence?

You can use "rainy day" in a sentence to describe actual weather, such as "It was a "rainy day" so we stayed inside". Or, you can use it metaphorically, such as "We should save some money for a "rainy day"" to indicate preparing for future difficulties.

What are some activities suitable for a "rainy day"?

Activities suitable for a "rainy day" are typically indoor pursuits like reading, watching movies, playing board games, or engaging in hobbies. These activities provide entertainment and engagement when outdoor options are limited by the weather.

What's a phrase similar to saving for a "rainy day"?

A phrase similar to saving for a "rainy day" is "putting money away for a "nest egg"". Both phrases refer to saving money for future needs or unexpected events, providing a sense of financial security and preparedness.