What are the definitions of “rain out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be postponed or stopped by rain ( usually passive ).
The game was RAINED OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rain out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rain out is when an event, usually an outdoor activity, is postponed or stopped due to rain. This phrasal verb is often used in the passive voice.
What are the different verb forms of “rain out”?
| Root Verb | rain out |
| Third Person Singular Present | rains out |
| Present Participle | raining out |
| Simple Past | rained out |
| Past Participle | rained out |
Example
The concert might rain out if the weather doesn't improve.
Example
If it rains out the picnic, we'll have to reschedule.
Example
The storm is raining out all the outdoor events today.
Example
The baseball game was rained out last night.
Example
The outdoor wedding was rained out and moved indoors.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rain out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“rain out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The game was rained out due to the heavy downpour.
Example
The outdoor festival was rained out and rescheduled for next week.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“rain out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The game was rained out due to the heavy downpour.
Example
The outdoor festival was rained out and rescheduled for next week.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rain out”?
To cause a performance to be postponed or canceled due to rain.
Example
The outdoor theater performance was rained out and moved to an indoor venue.
Good things to know
Does “rain out” have an informal or formal tone?
Rain out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing weather-related cancellations or postponements of events.
