He wanted to play outside, but it was raining.

Meaning: He desired to engage in outdoor activities, but the weather conditions involving rain made it impossible.

Choice of Words: Outside refers to the area that is not inside a building. Raining means water is falling from the sky. Together, they convey the idea of precipitation preventing outdoor activities.

Alternative Expressions

The boy wished to engage in an activity for enjoyment in the area that is not inside a building, however, water was falling from the sky.

Meaning: The young male had a desire to play in the area that is not inside a building, but water was falling from the sky.

Choice of Words: The boy refers to the young male who wanted to play. Wished is a verb that means he had a desire to do something. To engage in an activity for enjoyment is a phrase that means to play. In the area that is not inside a building is a phrase that means outside. However is a conjunction that connects two contrasting ideas. Water is a noun that refers to the liquid that falls from the sky. Was falling is a verb that means that water was coming down from the sky.

It was raining, so he couldn't play outside.

Meaning: Water was falling from the sky, so the boy was unable to play in the area that is not inside a building.

Choice of Words: It refers to the weather. Was raining is a verb that means that water was falling from the sky. So is a conjunction that connects two related ideas. He refers to the boy who wanted to play. Couldn't is a verb that means he was unable to do something. Play outside is a phrase that means to engage in an activity for enjoyment in the area that is not inside a building.

Related Expressions