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Debpriya De Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Lightning
How can we express the idea that lightning flashes can be seen outside ?
Should we say "It's lightning outside" or "Lightning is happening outside" ?
Should we say "It's lightning outside" or "Lightning is happening outside" ?
Top answer
One of the definitions of 'lighten': to flash as or like lightning (often used impersonally with it as subject): It thundered and lightened for hours. So, 'It's lightening outside' is fine. I think that most of us just say 'Oh, look!
- One of the definitions of 'lighten': to flash as or like lightning (often used impersonally with it as subject): It thundered and lightened for hours.
- So, 'It's lightening outside' is fine.
- I think that most of us just say 'Oh, look!
- ''
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4 Answers
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One of the definitions of 'lighten': to flash as or like lightning
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Mister MicawberOne of the definitions of 'lighten': to flash as or like lightning (often used impersonally with it as subject)Well, I learned something today. I have never heard this use of "lighten". You're right though -- there it is in the dictionary. Is this something you ever use yourself, or have heard others use?
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We're having some fantastic lightning tonight (we assume it's outside).
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Is this something you ever use yourself, or have heard others use?
Just in the phrase as above ('It's lightening outside'), but I've never stopped to analyze that part of speech before, Mr W.
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