in rain
Being exposed to rain
Use in rain for actions or situations happening while rain is falling.
They waited in rain outside the station.
Of, for, with, by or in rain?
Different prepositions with rain have different meanings. In rain and by rain are common in specific contexts, while other combinations depend on the sentence.
Quick answer
Which preposition should you use with rain?
Use in rain for being exposed to rain. Use by rain for cause or transport in specific contexts. With rain describes accompanying weather conditions. Of rain usually appears after another noun, and for rain is used when talking about preparation or suitability.
We walked in rain for an hour.
The match was cancelled by rain.
The streets were slippery with rain.
Bring boots for rain tomorrow.
The match was cancelled by rain.
The streets were slippery with rain.
Bring boots for rain tomorrow.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
by rain
Cause or means
Use by rain when rain causes damage, delay, or another effect.
The crops were destroyed by rain and wind.
with rain
Accompanied by rain
Use with rain to describe conditions that include rain.
The forecast predicts strong winds with rain overnight.
for rain
Preparation or suitability
Use for rain when something is intended for rainy weather.
These jackets are ideal for rain and cold weather.
of rain
Part of a descriptive phrase
Of rain usually follows another noun, such as amount or sound.
We listened to the sound of rain on the roof.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in rain
She cycled in rain all morning.
During rainy conditions.
by rain
Several roads were blocked by rain.
Rain caused the result.
with rain
Clouds arrived with rain in the afternoon.
Rain accompanies something else.
for rain
Pack extra clothes for rain.
Preparation for rainy conditions.
of rain
The smell of rain filled the air.
Rain is linked to another noun.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using by rain for ordinary weather conditions
By rain usually expresses cause, not location or weather exposure.
✕ We played football by rain. ✓ We played football in rain.Using of rain alone after a verb
Of rain normally follows another noun.
✕ It was full of rain outside. ✓ There was heavy rain outside.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The picnic was cancelled ___ rain.
2. They stood ___ rain without umbrellas.
3. This coat is good ___ rain.
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Frequently asked questions
Is in the rain more common than in rain?
Yes. In the rain is more natural in everyday English, though in rain appears in shorter or literary styles.
Can with rain describe weather forecasts?
Yes. English often uses with rain to describe combined weather conditions.
Do we say because of rain or by rain?
Because of rain is more common in everyday speech. By rain is mostly used in passive structures such as damaged by rain.
Related preposition guides
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