italki - Hello there! I have recently come across the following expression

Ivan

Hello there! I have recently come across the following expression - it’s pouring down rain. I’ve always thought that the correct expression is “it’s pouring (with) rain” or if I have to rephrase it “the rain is pouring down”. Could anyone please help me clarify if “it’s pouring down rain” is used by native speakers? I suspect there might be a subtle difference in usage in various English-speaking countries akin to “it never rains but it pours” versus “when it rains, it pours”. Thank you!

Feb 7, 2023 6:52 AM

Answers · 19

While "It's pouring outside" is more common in the US, you will hear "It's pouring down rain" in the American Southeast. I would consider it a regional phrase.

February 7, 2023

I’ve never heard it worded as “it’s pouring down rain” before, but it makes sense. As a native US English speaker I’ve said and heard these variations: 1. It’s pouring outside. 2. It’s pouring rain outside. 3. (Very informal) It’s pissing outside. 🌈 Nicky

February 7, 2023

Hey~! I’m Canada we say “it’s pouring out” or it’s pouring rain”~! ^^

February 7, 2023

Yes, you're right. In England we'd never say it. It's pouring with rain. The rain is pouring down.

February 7, 2023

The phase I hear the most in the U.S. is "it's pouring" or "it's pouring outside". In the expression "it's pouring down rain" both the words "down" and "rain" serve little purpose, but it's not wrong.

February 7, 2023

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