the rain set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the rain set in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the beginning or onset of rain, often indicating that it will continue for a while. Example: "As we hiked up the mountain, the rain set in, forcing us to seek shelter until it passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The rain set in, one huge Noah douche.

The New Yorker

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

Hughes had the advantage of having completed half of her time trial on dry roads before the rain set in.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

Before the rains set in, some of the most seriously wounded arrived by helicopter from villages in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Pakistani-controlled Kashmir

The New York Times

While some vintages are picked in September , 2012dragged well into October — and then the chateaus had to work overtime to harvest before the rains set in. "We had to bring in all our pickers from all our properties and pay them well to keep them smiling," said Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

The New York Times

Their hope is that once their supplies come through they'll be able to provide sanitation and clean water to 3,000 households before the rains set in.

Huffington Post

We need to make a final push to reach all children everywhere to slow the epidemic and stop the virus before the heat and the rains set in as of June".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the rain set in" to emphasize the onset and likely continuation of rainfall, especially when it impacts ongoing events or plans.

Common error

Avoid using "the rain set in" to describe a brief, fleeting shower. This phrase suggests a more persistent and established rainfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rain set in" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement and establishment of rainfall. It is used to describe a state of weather, where the rain has not only started but is expected to continue. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the rain set in" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase that signifies the commencement and likely continuation of rainfall. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a descriptive expression that is neither overly formal nor informal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While several alternatives exist, such as "the rain began" or "it started raining", "the rain set in" carries a subtle emphasis on the persistence of the rain. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the nature of the rainfall, suggesting more than just a fleeting shower.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rain began

Replaces "set in" with a simpler, more direct verb; slightly less emphasis on the rain's persistence.

the rain started

Similar to "the rain began", offering a straightforward description of the rain's commencement.

rain was setting in

Continuous form, emphasizing the ongoing process of the rain establishing itself.

it started raining

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the action of raining rather than the state.

the rain commenced

Uses a more formal verb, making it suitable for more serious or official contexts.

the heavens opened

A more dramatic and figurative way of saying it started raining heavily.

the downpour began

Focuses specifically on heavy rain.

the rain took hold

Emphasizes the rain's increasing influence and potential impact.

precipitation started

A more technical and less common way to say it began to rain.

the drizzle turned serious

Implies that a light rain has intensified and become more substantial.

FAQs

What does the phrase "the rain set in" mean?

The phrase "the rain set in" means that the rain has started and is likely to continue for some time. It implies a more persistent and established rainfall than a brief shower.

What can I say instead of "the rain set in"?

You can use alternatives like "the rain began", "it started raining", or "the rain commenced" depending on the context.

Is "the rain set in" formal or informal?

The phrase "the rain set in" is neither highly formal nor particularly informal; it is suitable for general use in writing and conversation.

How is "the rain set in" different from "the rain started"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of rain, "the rain set in" often suggests a more established and potentially longer-lasting period of rainfall compared to /s/the+rain+started.