the rain started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the rain started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of rainfall in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As we were enjoying our picnic, the rain started, forcing us to seek shelter under the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then the rain started.

The New York Times - Sports

The rain started to fall.

The New Yorker

We stayed up till the rain started.

The New Yorker

The rain started and just didn't stop.

The Guardian

Then the rain started up again.

The New Yorker

The rain started about 11 a.m.

The New York Times

Of course, the rain started right after they finished".

The New York Times

The day grew drearier and the rain started to fall.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The rain started early, around 8pm on Friday night.

The Guardian

Then the rain started and didn't stop for a month.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hewitt had defeated Spadea 7 6 (5), 6 1 before the rain started.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the rain started" to clearly and concisely indicate the beginning of rainfall in narratives, descriptions, or reports. It's straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "the rain started" in highly formal or scientific writing. While grammatically correct, it might sound too casual. Opt for more precise language like "precipitation commenced" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rain started" functions as a simple declarative statement. It indicates the commencement of rainfall. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the rain started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the beginning of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider using more formal alternatives in scientific or highly professional settings. Remember, clarity and context are key to effective communication. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase is widely understood and accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rain began

Replaces "started" with "began", offering a slightly more formal alternative with similar meaning.

it started to rain

Shifts the focus to the action of raining itself, rather than the rain as a subject.

it began raining

Similar to "it started to rain", focusing on the activity of raining.

the rain commenced

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", providing a more formal and less common alternative.

rainfall commenced

Similar to "the rain commenced", but using "rainfall" as the subject.

rain began to fall

Emphasizes the action of the rain falling, similar in meaning but with a slight change in focus.

the heavens opened

A more figurative expression indicating a sudden and heavy downpour.

the drizzle turned into rain

Suggests a transition from a light drizzle to heavier rain.

the first drops fell

Focuses on the initial moments when rain begins.

precipitation initiated

A formal and scientific way to describe the start of rainfall.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "the rain started"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "the rain started"?

Yes, "the rain started" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb order and is widely accepted in English.

In what contexts is "the rain started" most appropriate?

"The rain started" is suitable for general narratives, casual conversations, and news reports. More formal or scientific contexts might require alternatives like "precipitation commenced".

What's the difference between "the rain started" and "it started to rain"?

While both phrases are similar, "the rain started" focuses on the rain as the subject initiating an action, whereas "it started to rain" emphasizes the action of raining itself.