Break in the rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"Break in the rain" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the sound of rain, a sudden change in the weather, or a figurative end to something. For example: The monotonous day was finally broken in the rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Officials had hoped for an early break in the rain, but it has persisted.

The New York Times

duo and couple who were posing for pictures and enjoying a break in the rain.

The New Yorker

We waited for a break in the rain, but none came.

The New York Times

"If we get a break in the rain, we can bring some people up".

The New Yorker

Still no official word, but apparently still no break in the rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Everywhere, the streets were filled with people, enjoying — at last — a break in the rain.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The sea is calm and graceful, the 19th-century pier below us juts out from the beach, and on the shore I can make out tiny figures enjoying the November breeze between a break in the rains.

The Guardian - Arts

"We expect storm conditions for the next 36 hours, so please do not be lulled into sleep by the breaks in the rain," Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans said at an afternoon news conference, before labeling the storm "one of the stranger ones we've had".

The New York Times

A while later, three men break in from the rain.

The New Yorker

Passengers were told a second attempt to rescue them by helicopter would take place on Thursday if there was a break in the heavy rain, strong winds and cloud, which foiled the earlier effort to reach the ship by air.

The Guardian

A major break in the rainfall data occurred when the rain gages were inoperable for 59 days following landfall of the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane.

Ecological Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “break in the rain” to describe a temporary pause or cessation of rainfall, particularly when emphasizing the opportunity or relief it provides.

Common error

Avoid using “break in the rain” to describe a permanent end to a rainy season. It specifically refers to a temporary interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “break in the rain” functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a temporary cessation or interruption of rainfall. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “break in the rain” is a common phrase used to describe a temporary pause in rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as a noun phrase and is primarily found in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use it accurately to indicate a temporary interruption, not a permanent end, of rainfall. Consider alternative phrases like "lull in the rain" or "respite from the rain" for slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lull in the rain

Focuses on a temporary period of reduced intensity, rather than a complete stop.

Respite from the rain

Highlights the relief provided by the pause in the rainfall.

Cessation of rainfall

More formal way to describe the stopping of rain.

Intermission in the rain

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the pause, similar to an intermission in a performance.

Temporary halt to the rain

Directly states that the rain has stopped for a limited time.

Brief pause in the downpour

Highlights both the intensity of the rain and the short duration of the break.

Clear spell amidst the rain

Focuses on the clearing of the sky during the break.

A window of dry weather

Metaphorically describes the break as an opportunity presented by the weather.

Rain-free interval

A more technical or descriptive term for a period without rain.

Hiatus in the rainfall

Indicates a pause or gap in the rain's occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "break in the rain" in a sentence?

You can use "break in the rain" to describe a temporary pause in rainfall, for example: "We waited for a break in the rain before going outside."

What's a similar phrase to "break in the rain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "lull in the rain", "respite from the rain", or "pause in the downpour".

Is it correct to say "breaks in the rain"?

Yes, "breaks in the rain" is acceptable when referring to multiple instances of temporary cessation of rainfall, as opposed to just one.

What is the difference between "break in the rain" and "end of the rain"?

"Break in the rain" refers to a temporary pause, while "end of the rain" indicates that the rainfall has completely stopped and is not expected to resume.