It is raining outside.

Meaning: This means that water is falling from the clouds and reaching the ground in the area that is not inside a building. It's like saying, The raindrops are coming down from the sky.

Choice of Words: Raining is a verb that describes the fall of water droplets from the sky. Outside is a preposition that means not inside a building or enclosed space. When you put them together, "It is raining outside" tells us that water is falling from the sky in the area that is not inside a building.

Alternative Expressions

The rain is falling from the sky.

Meaning: This sentence tells us that rain is falling from the sky.

Choice of Words: "The rain" refers to the rain. "Is falling" is a present participle that describes the action of the rain. "From" is a preposition that tells us where the rain is coming from. "The sky" is a noun that refers to the upper atmosphere of the Earth.

There is rain in the air.

Meaning: This sentence tells us that rain is present in the air.

Choice of Words: "There is" is a phrase that indicates the existence of something. "Rain" is a noun that refers to the water that falls from the sky. "In" is a preposition that tells us where the rain is. "The air" is a noun that refers to the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth.

Related Expressions