"It started to rain." vs "It started raining."

Question

"It started to rain." vs "It started raining."

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning, but the choice between 'it started to rain' and 'it started raining' is a matter of personal preference or style.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the beginning of a rain shower. 'To rain' is an infinitive verb phrase that indicates the action of raining is starting.

Examples:

I was walking home when it started to rain.
The weather forecast said it would start to rain in the afternoon.
As soon as we left the house, it started to rain.
She opened her umbrella when it started to rain.
The clouds darkened and it started to rain heavily.

Alternatives:

It began to rain.
It commenced raining.
It started drizzling.
It started pouring.
It started raining cats and dogs.

This phrase is also used to describe the beginning of a rain shower. 'Raining' is a gerund form that functions as a noun, indicating the state of rain falling.

Examples:

We were having a picnic when it started raining.
The children ran inside when it started raining.
It started raining just as we were about to leave.
The farmers were relieved when it started raining.
The streets were empty when it started raining.

Alternatives:

It began raining.
It commenced to rain.
It started to drizzle.
It started to pour.
It started to rain heavily.

Answer 1

It started to rain.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

It started raining.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It started to rain." vs "It started raining."

It started to rain.

It started raining.

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