Because "rain" is both verb and noun

[Mlngvt]

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.

[Alan]

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
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English as a Second Language
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[Yankee]

On the other hand, you could theoretically say:

The farmers are hoping to reign.

Amy

[Conchita]

[Alan]

Pity the poor questioner !!!
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Only Three Letters

[Mlngvt]

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.

[Chocolatee]

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.