Because "rain" is both verb and noun

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Dear teacher,
Because “rain” is both verb and noun, I can’t decide which one in this sentence.
I try to do two possible sentences. Please tell me which is correct.

  1. The farmers are hoping to rain.
  2. The farmers are hoping for rain.
    Thanks.
2

Hi mingvt,

The only possibility is hoping for rain - meaning hoping that it will rain. The first sentence is impossible because the farmers are not going to rain!

Alan

3

On the other hand, you could theoretically say:

The farmers are hoping to reign. :wink: :smiley:

Amy

4

In this case, the farmers will hold or pull the rein(s).

5

Pity the poor questioner !!!

6

Dear teachers,
Thank you for giving me some more new words.
I think it is very interesting and unforgettable to learn lessons from my own mistakes.
Thank you all of you.

7

I agree with Mr. Alan. The only correct choice is “hoping for rain”. As what he pointed out, the farmers cannot rain; unless of course, you meant to say “reign” like in Miss Amy’s example.