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B1 verb #31 most common 12 min read

snows

Top 31

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips snows in 30 Seconds

Explanation snows in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'snows' is introduced as a basic weather word. Students learn it as part of a list of weather conditions like 'it rains,' 'it is sunny,' and 'it is cold.' The focus is on the simple structure 'It snows in winter.' Learners at this stage should understand that 'snows' is a verb used to describe a common winter activity. They should be able to recognize the word in simple sentences and use it to answer basic questions about the weather in their country. The primary goal is to associate the word with the image of white flakes falling and to use the correct 'it' subject. There is no need for complex adverbs or conditional structures yet; the focus is on factual, present-tense statements about the world around them.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'snows' with frequency adverbs and basic time expressions. They can say things like 'It often snows in January' or 'It never snows in my city.' Students at this level should also be able to form simple questions and negatives, such as 'Does it snow here?' or 'It doesn't snow much in the south.' They are starting to distinguish between the noun 'snow' and the verb 'snows' in very simple contexts. The A2 learner can also use 'snows' in simple 'when' clauses, such as 'When it snows, I stay home.' This shows a growing ability to link weather conditions to personal actions and routines.

At the B1 level, students should have a firm grasp of 'snows' in various grammatical structures. This includes using it in the first conditional ('If it snows, we will go skiing') and with a wider range of adverbs like 'heavily,' 'lightly,' or 'steadily.' B1 learners are expected to understand the difference between the simple present 'it snows' (for habits/facts) and the present continuous 'it is snowing' (for current actions). They should also be able to use 'snows' to describe the climate of different regions in more detail. This level involves more nuanced conversation, where the learner might discuss how it snows in different parts of the world or how the frequency of snow has changed over time due to climate change.

At the B2 level, 'snows' is used with more sophisticated vocabulary and in more complex sentence structures. Learners can use it in reported speech ('He said that it usually snows in December') and in more advanced conditional sentences. They should be comfortable using 'snows' in academic or professional contexts, such as a presentation on geography or a business report about seasonal impacts on sales. B2 students can also understand and use 'snows' in more idiomatic or metaphorical ways, though these are still relatively rare for this specific verb form. Their understanding of the word is integrated into a broader knowledge of meteorological terminology and environmental issues.

At the C1 level, the learner uses 'snows' with complete naturalness and precision. They can appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'snows' in literature to create atmosphere. They understand the subtle differences between 'it snows,' 'it's snowing,' and 'it's been snowing,' and can choose the correct form for any context. C1 learners can discuss the technical aspects of why it snows, using terms like 'atmospheric pressure' and 'condensation nuclei' in the same conversation. They are also aware of regional variations in how people talk about snow and can adapt their language accordingly. The word 'snows' becomes just one tool in a very large and flexible linguistic toolkit.

At the C2 level, 'snows' is used with the mastery of a native speaker. The learner can use it in highly technical, poetic, or ironic contexts. They might use it in a complex philosophical argument or a high-level scientific debate. A C2 learner can detect the slightest misuse of the word by others and understands all its historical and etymological nuances. They can play with the word in puns or creative writing, and they have a deep understanding of the cultural significance of snow in different English-speaking societies. For a C2 learner, 'snows' is not just a weather verb; it is a word with a rich set of associations and possibilities that they can exploit for any communicative purpose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

snows in 30 Seconds

The word 'snows' is a verb form used to describe the action of frozen water falling from the sky as white flakes.
It is the third-person singular form, almost always used with the dummy subject 'it' in English weather expressions.
This form is used for general facts, habits, or climatic descriptions rather than an action happening at this exact moment.
Commonly found in weather reports and daily conversation, it is essential for discussing winter weather and seasonal patterns.

The word snows is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to snow.' In the English language, this specific form is almost exclusively used with the dummy subject 'it' to describe a recurring or general meteorological event. When we say 'it snows,' we are describing the atmospheric process where water vapor freezes into ice crystals and falls to the earth as white, soft flakes. This verb form is essential for discussing climate, seasonal patterns, and habitual weather conditions in specific geographic locations.

Grammatical Function: As a verb, 'snows' indicates an action performed by the atmosphere. Because weather lacks a sentient agent, English uses the 'dummy it' (expletive subject) to satisfy the requirement that every sentence has a subject. Therefore, 'it' does not refer to a specific object but rather to the state of the environment.

In the high altitudes of the Andes, it snows even during the summer months due to the extreme elevation and low temperatures.

The use of 'snows' implies a sense of regularity or a statement of fact. Unlike 'is snowing,' which describes an action happening right now, 'snows' is used for general truths. For instance, if you live in a tropical climate, you might say, 'It never snows here.' This informs the listener about the permanent climatic state of your region rather than the current weather outside your window. It is a foundational verb for anyone learning to describe their environment or plan travel to colder regions.

Contextual Usage: This word is frequently found in textbooks, weather reports, and travel guides. It helps establish the setting in literature, often used to create a cold, serene, or harsh atmosphere. In scientific contexts, it describes the precipitation phase of the water cycle in sub-zero temperatures.

Whenever it snows in the city, the public transportation system faces significant delays.

Furthermore, 'snows' can be used metaphorically, though this is less common for the third-person singular form. It might describe something falling in a manner similar to snow, such as 'it snows cherry blossoms in the spring.' This poetic usage leverages the visual imagery of white flakes drifting slowly through the air. However, for B1 learners, the primary focus remains on the meteorological description of winter weather.

Frequency and Habit: Because 'snows' is in the simple present tense, it is often paired with frequency adverbs like 'always,' 'usually,' 'often,' 'sometimes,' 'rarely,' or 'never.' This helps specify how common the occurrence is in a given location.

It rarely snows in London, but when it does, the whole city seems to stop and watch.

Using 'snows' correctly requires an understanding of the simple present tense and the specific syntax of weather verbs. The most common structure is [It + snows + (adverbial phrase)]. This structure allows you to convey information about the frequency, location, or intensity of the snowfall. For example, 'It snows heavily in the mountains' provides a clear picture of the climatic conditions of a specific area.

The Dummy 'It': In English, verbs like 'snow,' 'rain,' and 'thunder' require a subject. Since there is no person or thing doing the snowing, we use 'it.' This is called a dummy subject. You must never omit 'it' in these sentences. Saying 'Snows in winter' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'It snows in winter.'

Every time it snows, my grandfather tells stories about the Great Blizzard of 1978.

When forming questions, we use the auxiliary verb 'does' because 'snows' is in the third-person singular. The main verb then reverts to its base form 'snow.' For example: 'Does it snow in your hometown?' Similarly, in negative sentences, we use 'does not' or 'doesn't': 'It doesn't snow in the Sahara Desert.' This follows the standard rules of English grammar for the simple present tense.

Conditional Sentences: 'Snows' is frequently used in 'if' clauses (First Conditional) to talk about future possibilities based on a general condition. For example: 'If it snows tomorrow, we will go skiing.' Here, the simple present 'snows' refers to a potential future event.

When it snows during the night, the morning commute becomes quite treacherous for drivers.

Adverbs of manner can also be used to describe how it snows. Words like 'lightly,' 'steadily,' 'intermittently,' or 'violently' can be placed after 'snows' to provide more detail. 'It snows steadily for hours in the arctic' gives the reader a sense of the duration and consistency of the weather. This level of detail is what elevates a basic B1 sentence to a more descriptive level of English proficiency.

Temporal Markers: To provide context, speakers often use time phrases such as 'in winter,' 'at this time of year,' or 'during the holidays.' These phrases help clarify that the 'snowing' is a predictable part of the calendar.

It rarely snows in October, so this early blizzard has taken the entire community by surprise.

The word 'snows' is a staple of everyday conversation in temperate and polar climates. You will hear it most frequently during the late autumn and winter months when people are discussing their plans, the weather forecast, or the general climate of a place they are visiting. It is a word that bridges the gap between casual small talk and formal reporting, making it incredibly versatile for any English learner.

Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists use 'snows' to describe long-term patterns or upcoming trends. You might hear a forecaster say, 'In this region, it typically snows about twenty inches per year.' This use of the simple present tense establishes a baseline for viewers to understand what is normal for their area.

The travel guide mentions that it snows frequently in Hokkaido, making it a premier destination for skiers.

In casual social settings, 'snows' is often used in 'if' and 'when' constructions. Friends might say, 'If it snows, let's build a snowman!' or 'I love it when it snows at Christmas.' These sentences express desires, plans, and emotional responses to the weather. Because snow is a visually striking and physically impactful phenomenon, it is a very common topic of conversation, especially when it disrupts normal routines.

Literature and Media: In novels and films, 'snows' is used to set the scene. A narrator might state, 'In the village of Oakhaven, it snows for six months of the year.' This immediately tells the audience about the harsh conditions the characters must endure, influencing the mood and the plot of the story.

Whenever it snows in the movie, you can expect a dramatic turning point in the protagonist's journey.

In academic or scientific settings, 'snows' is used when discussing geography or environmental science. A professor might explain how the rain shadow effect influences where it snows on a mountain range. Here, the word is used with precision to describe a consistent physical law or geographical fact. Whether you are reading a scientific paper or a children's book, 'snows' remains a key term for describing the frozen side of the water cycle.

News and Safety Alerts: During winter storms, news anchors often use 'snows' in conditional warnings. 'If it snows more than five inches, the highway will be closed.' This usage is vital for public safety and logistical planning.

It snows so rarely in the southern states that even a light dusting can cause major traffic issues.

Even though 'snows' seems like a simple word, learners often make several common errors when using it. These mistakes usually stem from confusion between different tenses, parts of speech, or the unique way English handles weather verbs. Understanding these pitfalls will help you communicate more naturally and accurately.

Confusion with Present Continuous: The most frequent mistake is using 'it snows' when you should use 'it is snowing.' Remember: 'it snows' is for general facts or habits. 'It is snowing' is for what is happening right now. If you look out the window and see white flakes, say 'It is snowing!' If you are talking about the climate of Canada, say 'It snows a lot in Canada.'

Incorrect: Look! It snows outside right now!
Correct: Look! It is snowing outside right now!

Another common error is adding an extra 'is' before 'snows.' Some learners say 'It is snows,' which is grammatically impossible. In English, you either use the simple present ('it snows') or the present continuous ('it is snowing'). You cannot combine the 'is' with the '-s' ending of the simple present verb. This is a rule that applies to all verbs, not just weather ones.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion: Learners sometimes confuse the verb 'snows' with the noun 'snow.' For example, saying 'There is snows on the ground' is incorrect. 'Snow' is an uncountable noun when referring to the white substance. 'Snows' as a noun is very rare and usually refers to multiple heavy snowfalls in a literary context. Stick to 'There is snow on the ground.'

Incorrect: There are many snows in the winter.
Correct: There is a lot of snow in the winter.

Omitting the 's' in the third person is also a frequent mistake. Because 'it' is singular, the verb must have the 's' ending. Saying 'It snow a lot here' is a common error for learners whose native languages do not have verb conjugation for the third person. Always remember: He/She/It + Verb-s.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Sometimes learners try to use a different subject, like 'The sky snows.' While poetic, this is not standard English. The standard subject for the verb 'snows' is always 'it.'

Incorrect: The weather snows every day in January.
Correct: It snows every day in January.

While 'snows' is the most common way to describe this weather, English has a rich variety of words to describe different types of frozen precipitation. Using these alternatives can make your descriptions more precise and your English sound more advanced. Here is how 'snows' compares to other similar verbs.

Snows vs. Sleets: 'Sleet' is a mixture of rain and snow, or rain that freezes as it falls. If it 'sleets,' the precipitation is wetter and icier than when it 'snows.' Sleet often creates a dangerous layer of ice on the ground, whereas snow is usually softer.

In early spring, it often sleets instead of snowing, making the sidewalks very slippery.

Another alternative is 'hails.' Hail consists of small, hard balls of ice that fall from clouds, often during thunderstorms. Unlike snow, which falls slowly and softly, hail falls quickly and can cause damage to cars and crops. You would use 'it hails' to describe this more violent form of ice precipitation, which can actually happen in the summer.

Snows vs. Blizzards (Verb Usage): While 'blizzard' is usually a noun, you might hear 'it's blizzarding' in very informal speech. However, a better way to express this using 'snows' is to add an adverb: 'It snows so heavily that it becomes a blizzard.'

When it snows with high winds, we call it a blizzard.

If the snow is very light and only lasts for a short time, you might say 'it dusts.' This is a more regional or poetic way of saying it snows just enough to cover the ground with a thin layer of white. 'It dusts the mountaintops every morning' suggests a light, delicate coating of snow rather than a heavy storm.

Precipitates: In a scientific context, you might hear 'it precipitates.' This is a formal, umbrella term that includes raining, snowing, sleeting, and hailing. It is rarely used in casual conversation but is common in academic lectures about the weather.

When the temperature drops below freezing, the moisture in the air precipitates as snow.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The meteorological data indicates that it snows approximately five times per annum in this region."

Neutral

"It usually snows quite a bit during the month of January."

Informal

"Man, it snows like crazy here every single winter!"

Child friendly

"Look! It snows pretty white flakes from the sky!"

Slang

"It's straight up snows-ville out there today."

Fun Fact

The root of the word 'snow' is also related to the Latin word 'nix' and the Greek 'nipha,' showing its ancient Indo-European origins.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /snəʊz/

US /snoʊz/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

goes knows blows shows flows toes rows pros

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp /s/ instead of a /z/.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 's' and 'n' (e.g., 'es-nows').
Making the 'ow' sound too short, like in 'now' (rhyming with 'cow').
Dropping the final 's' entirely.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a basic weather term.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 's' for the third person and the 'it' subject.

Speaking 3/5

The final /z/ sound can be tricky for some learners to pronounce clearly.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, though the 's' can blend into following words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

it winter cold weather rain

Learn Next

snowing snowed blizzard forecast temperature

Advanced

precipitation meteorology accumulation crystallization sub-zero

Grammar to Know

Third Person Singular -s

He walks, she sings, it snows.

Dummy Subject 'It'

It is 5 o'clock. It is raining. It snows.

Simple Present for General Truths

The sun rises in the east. It snows in winter.

Adverbs of Frequency Placement

It [often] snows. (Before the main verb)

First Conditional

If it snows (present), we will stay (future).

Examples by Level

It snows in winter.

Il neige en hiver.

Uses 'it' as the subject and 'snows' as the verb.

It snows in the mountains.

Il neige dans les montagnes.

Simple present tense for a general fact.

It snows every year here.

Il neige chaque année ici.

The phrase 'every year' indicates a habit.

It snows in Canada.

Il neige au Canada.

Describing the climate of a country.

It snows in December.

Il neige en décembre.

Preposition 'in' used with months.

It snows a lot in Russia.

Il neige beaucoup en Russie.

'A lot' is used as an adverb of quantity.

It snows today.

Il neige aujourd'hui.

Note: In A1, this is often used, though 'it is snowing' is more common for 'now'.

It snows white flakes.

Il neige des flocons blancs.

Describing the appearance of snow.

It often snows in January.

Il neige souvent en janvier.

Adverb of frequency 'often' comes before the verb.

It never snows in my city.

Il ne neige jamais dans ma ville.

Adverb of frequency 'never' indicates zero frequency.

Does it snow in London?

Est-ce qu'il neige à Londres ?

Question form using 'Does' and base form 'snow'.

It doesn't snow in the summer.

Il ne neige pas en été.

Negative form using 'doesn't' and base form 'snow'.

When it snows, I wear a coat.

Quand il neige, je porte un manteau.

A simple 'when' clause for a routine.

It rarely snows in the desert.

Il neige rarement dans le désert.

Adverb of frequency 'rarely'.

It snows more in the north.

Il neige plus dans le nord.

Comparative 'more' used with the verb.

It sometimes snows in March.

Il neige parfois en mars.

Adverb of frequency 'sometimes'.

If it snows tomorrow, we will go skiing.

S'il neige demain, nous irons skier.

First conditional: 'if' + simple present, 'will' + verb.

It snows heavily in this part of the country.

Il neige abondamment dans cette partie du pays.

Adverb of manner 'heavily' describes the intensity.

Whenever it snows, the trains are delayed.

Chaque fois qu'il neige, les trains sont retardés.

'Whenever' indicates a repeated cause and effect.

It usually snows for several days in February.

Il neige habituellement pendant plusieurs jours en février.

Duration phrase 'for several days'.

I wonder if it snows in Australia during their winter.

Je me demande s'il neige en Australie pendant leur hiver.

Indirect question using 'if'.

It snows steadily throughout the night.

Il neige régulièrement tout au long de la nuit.

Adverb 'steadily' and preposition 'throughout'.

It only snows when the temperature is very low.

Il ne neige que lorsque la température est très basse.

Conditional 'when' clause with a scientific fact.

In the mountains, it snows even in late spring.

Dans les montagnes, il neige même à la fin du printemps.

Adverb 'even' used for emphasis.

The forecast says it snows more frequently at higher altitudes.

Les prévisions disent qu'il neige plus fréquemment à des altitudes plus élevées.

Reported speech and comparative adverbial phrase.

It snows so much in the Alps that many roads are closed.

Il neige tellement dans les Alpes que de nombreuses routes sont fermées.

'So much... that' result clause.

Whether it snows or rains, the match will continue.

Qu'il neige ou qu'il pleuve, le match continuera.

'Whether... or' used to show that the condition doesn't matter.

It rarely snows in this region, which makes this storm unusual.

Il neige rarement dans cette région, ce qui rend cette tempête inhabituelle.

Relative clause 'which...' referring to the whole previous statement.

Experts believe it snows less now because of global warming.

Les experts pensent qu'il neige moins maintenant à cause du réchauffement climatique.

Complex sentence with a causal phrase 'because of'.

It snows intermittently, so the accumulation is quite low.

Il neige par intermittence, donc l'accumulation est assez faible.

Adverb 'intermittently' and conjunction 'so'.

The book describes a land where it snows diamonds.

Le livre décrit une terre où il neige des diamants.

Metaphorical usage in a fictional context.

It snows enough to cover the tracks by morning.

Il neige suffisamment pour couvrir les traces d'ici le matin.

'Enough to' + infinitive structure.

In the Arctic, it snows in a way that defies simple description.

Dans l'Arctique, il neige d'une manière qui défie toute description simple.

Relative clause 'that defies...' adds sophistication.

It snows relentlessly, burying the small village in white.

Il neige sans relâche, enterrant le petit village sous le blanc.

Participle phrase 'burying...' used for descriptive effect.

Should it snow, the event will be moved indoors immediately.

S'il devait neiger, l'événement sera immédiatement déplacé à l'intérieur.

Inversion in a conditional sentence ('Should it snow' instead of 'If it snows').

It snows but once a decade in this part of the Sahara.

Il ne neige qu'une fois par décennie dans cette partie du Sahara.

Use of 'but' as an adverb meaning 'only'.

The poet writes of a heart where it never snows.

Le poète écrit sur un cœur où il ne neige jamais.

Highly metaphorical and literary usage.

It snows ash from the volcano, covering the nearby fields.

Il neige des cendres du volcan, couvrant les champs voisins.

Using 'snows' to describe a different substance falling.

It snows with such intensity that visibility is reduced to zero.

Il neige avec une telle intensité que la visibilité est réduite à zéro.

'Such... that' structure for emphasis.

One might say it snows opportunities in this thriving city.

On pourrait dire qu'il neige des opportunités dans cette ville prospère.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

In the bleak midwinter, it snows upon the desolate moors.

Au milieu d'un hiver lugubre, il neige sur les landes désolées.

Archaic/literary preposition 'upon' and sophisticated adjectives.

It snows in fits and starts, never quite settling into a rhythm.

Il neige par intermittence, ne s'installant jamais tout à fait dans un rythme.

Idiomatic expression 'in fits and starts'.

Lest it snows, we must ensure the livestock are properly sheltered.

De peur qu'il ne neige, nous devons nous assurer que le bétail est convenablement abrité.

Use of the formal conjunction 'lest'.

It snows in the mind of the exile, a constant white memory.

Il neige dans l'esprit de l'exilé, un souvenir blanc constant.

Profoundly metaphorical and psychological usage.

It snows with a quiet dignity, transforming the urban decay.

Il neige avec une dignité tranquille, transformant le délabrement urbain.

Personification of the weather ('quiet dignity').

Whenever it snows, a profound silence descends upon the valley.

Chaque fois qu'il neige, un silence profond descend sur la vallée.

Sophisticated verb 'descends' and adjective 'profound'.

It snows as if the heavens themselves were shedding their feathers.

Il neige comme si les cieux eux-mêmes perdaient leurs plumes.

Simile using 'as if' and the subjunctive 'were'.

In the twilight of the year, it snows to mark the passage of time.

Au crépuscule de l'année, il neige pour marquer le passage du temps.

Metaphorical 'twilight of the year' (end of the year).

Common Collocations

it snows heavily

it snows lightly

it rarely snows

it often snows

it snows steadily

whenever it snows

it snows in winter

if it snows

it snows intermittently

it snows a lot

Common Phrases

it snows cats and dogs

— A playful variation of 'rains cats and dogs,' meaning it is snowing very heavily.

Wow, it's really snowing cats and dogs out there!

when it snows, it pours

— A play on the idiom 'when it rains, it pours,' suggesting that many things (usually bad) happen at once.

First the car broke, then the heater died; when it snows, it pours.

it snows in your favor

— A rare expression meaning that circumstances are working out for you in a cold or difficult situation.

The school was closed, so it snows in your favor today.

it snows on the just and the unjust

— A variation of a biblical phrase meaning that weather (or life's events) affects everyone equally.

Whether you are a good person or not, it snows on everyone.

it snows like crazy

— Informal way to say it is snowing extremely heavily.

It snows like crazy in Buffalo during the winter.

it snows every blue moon

— It snows very rarely.

In Texas, it only snows every blue moon.

it snows to beat the band

— An old-fashioned way to say it is snowing very hard.

Look outside, it snows to beat the band!

it snows in buckets

— Another way to describe very heavy snowfall.

It's not just a flurry; it snows in buckets!

it snows for ages

— It snows for a very long time.

In the high north, it feels like it snows for ages.

it snows on cue

— It snows exactly when expected or needed (e.g., for a Christmas movie).

As soon as we arrived at the ski resort, it snows on cue.

Often Confused With

snows vs is snowing

Use 'is snowing' for what is happening right now. Use 'snows' for what usually happens.

snows vs snow

'Snow' is the noun (the white stuff) or the base verb. 'Snows' is only for 'it' in the present tense.

snows vs snowed

'Snowed' is the past tense. Use it for yesterday, not for general facts.

Idioms & Expressions

"snowed under"

— To be overwhelmed with a large amount of work or responsibilities.

I'm sorry I can't come to the party; I'm completely snowed under with work.

informal

"snow job"

— An intensive effort to deceive or overwhelm someone with talk.

The salesman gave me a real snow job about the car's history.

informal

"pure as the driven snow"

— To be completely innocent or virtuous (often used sarcastically).

She acts like she's as pure as the driven snow, but I know the truth.

neutral

"snowball effect"

— A situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and faster rate.

The small mistake had a snowball effect and eventually ruined the project.

neutral

"snowball's chance in hell"

— To have no chance at all of succeeding.

He has a snowball's chance in hell of winning the race.

informal/slang

"to be snowed in"

— To be unable to leave a place because of a large amount of snow.

We were snowed in for three days during the blizzard.

neutral

"break the ice"

— To do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation started.

He told a joke to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting.

neutral

"on thin ice"

— To be in a risky or dangerous situation.

You're on thin ice with the boss after being late three times this week.

informal

"cold shoulder"

— To intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.

I tried to talk to her, but she gave me the cold shoulder.

informal

"the tip of the iceberg"

— A small, visible part of a much larger problem or situation.

The missing money is just the tip of the iceberg; the whole company is in trouble.

neutral

Easily Confused

snows vs nose

Homophone (sounds the same).

'Nose' is a part of your face; 'snows' is about the weather. They are spelled differently and used in completely different contexts.

My nose is cold when it snows.

snows vs knows

Homophone (sounds the same).

'Knows' is the verb for having information; 'snows' is the verb for falling ice crystals. Both are 3rd person singular.

He knows that it snows in Alaska.

snows vs shows

Rhymes and similar structure.

'Shows' means to display or perform; 'snows' is meteorological. Both are 3rd person singular verbs.

The map shows where it snows.

snows vs blows

Rhymes and both are weather-related.

'Blows' refers to the wind; 'snows' refers to precipitation. Often they happen at the same time.

The wind blows while it snows.

snows vs flows

Rhymes.

'Flows' refers to the movement of liquids like water; 'snows' refers to falling ice. Snow can flow once it melts.

The river flows even when it snows.

Sentence Patterns

It snows in [Season/Month].

It snows in winter.

It [Adverb of Frequency] snows.

It often snows.

If it snows, [Future Clause].

If it snows, I will buy a shovel.

It snows [Adverb of Manner].

It snows heavily.

It snows enough to [Infinitive].

It snows enough to close the schools.

Whether it snows or [Alternative], [Clause].

Whether it snows or rains, we are going.

Should it snow, [Clause].

Should it snow, the flight will be cancelled.

It snows as if [Subjunctive Clause].

It snows as if the world were ending.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in winter, rare in summer. Very high frequency in cold climates.

Common Mistakes

It is snows. → It snows. / It is snowing.
You cannot use 'is' with the simple present form 'snows.' Choose one or the other depending on the time.
Snows in winter. → It snows in winter.
English sentences must have a subject. For weather, that subject is always 'it.'
It snow in Canada. → It snows in Canada.
The subject 'it' is third-person singular, so the verb must end in 's.'
Does it snows here? → Does it snow here?
In questions with 'does,' the main verb must be in its base form (snow), not the -s form.
It snows right now. → It is snowing right now.
For actions happening at the moment of speaking, use the present continuous tense.

Tips

Always use 'it'

Never forget the subject 'it.' In English, you cannot just say 'Snows.' It must be 'It snows.' This is one of the most important rules for weather verbs.

Facts vs. Now

Use 'it snows' for things that are always true about a place. Use 'it is snowing' for what you see right now. This distinction is key for B1 learners.

The /z/ Sound

The 's' at the end of 'snows' is voiced, meaning it sounds like a 'z.' Practice saying 'buzz' and then 'snows' to get the sound right.

Add Adverbs

To sound more natural, add an adverb. Instead of just 'It snows,' say 'It snows heavily' or 'It rarely snows.' It adds much more detail to your speech.

First Conditional

Practice using 'snows' in 'if' sentences. 'If it snows, I will...' is a great way to practice both the verb and the future tense.

Don't forget the 's'

Because the subject is 'it,' you must add the 's' to the end of 'snow.' This is a basic rule of the third-person singular that many students forget.

Listen for 'Does'

In questions, the 's' moves to the word 'does' (Does it snow?). If you hear 'does,' the next verb will be 'snow,' not 'snows.'

Regional Differences

In some places, people say 'it's snowing' even for general facts. However, for your exams and formal writing, 'it snows' is the correct form for general truths.

Small Talk

Talking about how much it snows is a perfect way to start a conversation in a cold country. It's a 'safe' topic that everyone can participate in.

The 'It' Rule

Think of 'It' as the 'Weather Man.' The Weather Man (It) snows. This helps you remember that 'It' is the subject.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 's' at the end of 'snows' as standing for 'Season' or 'Singular' (it). It snows in the winter season.

Visual Association

Imagine a single snowflake landing on the letter 'S'. 'It snows.'

Word Web

Winter Cold White Flakes Ice Skiing Clouds Sky

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'snows' with three different frequency adverbs: 'always,' 'rarely,' and 'never.'

Word Origin

The word 'snow' comes from the Old English 'snāw,' which is related to the Dutch 'sneeuw' and German 'Schnee.'

Original meaning: The original meaning in Proto-Germanic was 'that which falls as snow.'

Germanic branch of the Indo-European family.

Cultural Context

Be aware that for people in tropical regions, snow is a novelty, while for those in arctic regions, it can be a dangerous hardship.

In the UK, even a small amount of snow can cause 'snow chaos' on the roads. in the US, 'snow days' are beloved by children as they mean school is cancelled.

The poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost. The song 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' The 'White Walkers' in Game of Thrones who bring the snow.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Small Talk

Does it snow much here?
I hope it snows for Christmas.
It snows way too much for me.
It rarely snows in my hometown.

Travel Planning

It snows a lot in the mountains.
Check if it snows there in April.
It snows heavily, so bring boots.
Does it snow in that part of Italy?

Weather Reports

It snows throughout the night.
Expect delays when it snows.
It snows intermittently today.
It snows more in the north.

Geography Class

It snows at high altitudes.
Why it snows in the desert.
It snows near the poles.
How often it snows in the tundra.

Winter Activities

If it snows, we'll go sledding.
It snows enough to ski.
I love it when it snows.
Wait until it snows to build it.

Conversation Starters

"Do you like it when it snows, or do you prefer the sun?"

"How often does it snow in the city where you grew up?"

"What do you usually do when it snows and you are stuck at home?"

"If it snows tomorrow, would you rather go outside or stay in bed?"

"Do you think it snows less now than it did when you were a child?"

Journal Prompts

Describe your favorite memory of a day when it snows. What did the world look like?

If you lived in a place where it never snows, what would you miss the most about winter?

Write a short story that begins with the sentence: 'In this village, it only snows once every hundred years.'

How does your daily routine change when it snows heavily? Describe the differences.

Compare the feeling of a day when it snows to a day when it rains. Which do you prefer and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'it snows' is perfectly correct. It is the simple present tense form used to describe a general fact or a recurring event. For example, 'It snows every winter in New York.' It is used with the dummy subject 'it' which is required for weather verbs in English.

'It snows' describes a general situation or habit (e.g., 'It snows every year'). 'It is snowing' describes an action happening right now (e.g., 'Look out the window, it is snowing!'). Use the simple present for facts and the present continuous for current actions.

While it is not technically 'wrong' in a poetic or metaphorical sense, it is not standard English. In everyday conversation, we always use 'it' as the subject: 'It snows.' Native speakers would find 'The sky snows' very unusual.

To make it negative, use 'does not' or 'doesn't' followed by the base form of the verb: 'It does not snow' or 'It doesn't snow.' For example, 'It doesn't snow in Hawaii.' Never say 'It not snows' or 'It snows not.'

Use the auxiliary verb 'does' at the beginning of the sentence and change 'snows' back to 'snow': 'Does it snow?' For example, 'Does it snow in your country?' You can also add question words: 'Where does it snow the most?'

'Snows' can be both, but it is much more common as a verb. As a verb, it's the 3rd person singular (it snows). As a noun, it's the plural of snow, but this is rare and usually only used in literature like 'the winter snows' to mean multiple snowfalls.

Yes, in conditional 'if' or 'when' clauses. 'If it snows tomorrow, we will stay home.' Even though 'snows' is a present tense form, in these specific structures, it refers to a future possibility.

Common adverbs include 'heavily,' 'lightly,' 'steadily,' 'often,' 'rarely,' and 'never.' Frequency adverbs usually go before the verb ('It often snows'), while manner adverbs go after ('It snows heavily').

In English, every sentence needs a subject. Since weather doesn't have a person or thing doing the action, we use 'it' as a 'dummy' or 'placeholder' subject. This is a standard rule for all weather verbs like rain, thunder, and hail.

No, 'snows' rhymes with 'goes,' 'knows,' and 'shows.' It has a long 'o' sound and a 'z' sound at the end. 'Mouse' has an 'ow' sound like in 'now' and a sharp 's' sound.