Meaning
A statement about the high temperature of the outdoor environment.
Cultural Background
In the UK, weather talk is a vital social lubricant. Even if it's only slightly warm, people will comment on it. In the US, especially in the South, heat is a serious topic. People often discuss the 'heat index' or humidity. Australians are very aware of sun safety. Commenting on the heat often includes a reminder to wear sunscreen. In Japan, humidity is a major factor in summer. People often use the word 'mushi-atsui' (humid and hot) instead of just 'hot'.
Use 'It's'
Always use the dummy subject 'it' for weather. Never say 'The weather is hot outside' if you can just say 'It's hot outside'.
Small Talk
If you don't know what to say to a stranger, talk about the weather. It's the safest topic in English.
Meaning
A statement about the high temperature of the outdoor environment.
Use 'It's'
Always use the dummy subject 'it' for weather. Never say 'The weather is hot outside' if you can just say 'It's hot outside'.
Small Talk
If you don't know what to say to a stranger, talk about the weather. It's the safest topic in English.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
It's ____ outside today.
We need an adjective to describe the weather.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
This is the standard, natural way to describe the weather.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match 'It's hot outside' to the correct meaning.
The phrase refers to the outdoor environment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Should we go for a walk?' B: 'No, ____.'
This provides a logical reason for not wanting to walk.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt's ____ outside today.
We need an adjective to describe the weather.
Choose the most natural sentence.
This is the standard, natural way to describe the weather.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase refers to the outdoor environment.
A: 'Should we go for a walk?' B: 'No, ____.'
This provides a logical reason for not wanting to walk.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'It's' is more common in speech.
No, it's neutral and casual.
It's a dummy subject for the environment.
Yes, but it means your body temperature is high.
Yes, it's universal.
Use 'really' or 'very'.
You can say 'It's hot and humid'.
Only in a casual, friendly letter.
No, it's very polite.
It's cold outside.
Related Phrases
It's a scorcher
similarIt is extremely hot.
It's sweltering
similarIt is hot and humid.
It's freezing outside
contrastIt is very cold.
The sun is beating down
builds onThe sun is very intense.
