What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rain
Example
It's raining heavily outside, so don't forget your umbrella. [rain: verb]
Example
The rain has been non-stop for three days now. [rain: noun]
shower
Example
I got caught in a sudden shower on my way to work this morning. [shower: noun]
Example
It's going to shower later today, so bring a raincoat just in case. [shower: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rain is more commonly used than shower in everyday language. Rain is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while shower is less common and often used in specific situations such as weather forecasts or personal experiences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rain and shower?
Both rain and shower are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports or scientific studies.