a downpour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a downpour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy rain event, often implying that the rain is intense and sudden. Example: "We had to cancel the picnic because there was a downpour that lasted for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A downpour, naturally, had begun.

The New York Times - Travel

A downpour strafed the wobbling boat.

The New York Times - Travel

The drip of complaints becomes a downpour.

The New Yorker

A DOWNPOUR makes me think of dance.

The New York Times

The end is a downpour.

The New York Times

1. Hate getting caught in a downpour?

The New York Times

Lately, the rain has become a downpour.

The New York Times

The drizzle turned into a downpour.

The New York Times

IT IS like a downpour after a drought.

The Economist

On this day, after a downpour, it smells musty.

The Economist

There is still hope, however bleak, for a downpour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a downpour" with sensory details to create a more immersive experience for the reader. Describe the sound, sight, and even the feeling of the rain.

Common error

Avoid using "a downpour" when describing light or moderate rain. The term implies intensity and volume, so use it accurately to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a downpour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a specific weather condition, namely a heavy and intense rainfall event. Examples show it being used to describe disruptions, impacts on events, and general weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a downpour" is a noun phrase used to describe a heavy and intense rainfall event. It's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase serves to convey information about the intensity of the rain and its impact. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately to describe significant rainfall, avoiding its application to lighter showers. Alternatives include "heavy rainfall" or "torrential rain", each carrying slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and broad applicability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouring rain

Describes continuous and heavy rain.

torrential rain

Highlights the intense and forceful nature of the rain.

intense rainfall

Focuses on the high level of intensity in the precipitation.

heavy rainfall

Emphasizes the quantity of rain falling.

sheets of rain

Visualizes the rain falling in a continuous, flat expanse.

driving rain

Indicates rain that is blown sideways by strong winds.

a deluge

Implies an overwhelming amount of rain.

a rainstorm

Refers to a storm characterized by heavy rain.

heavy shower

Suggests a brief period of intense rain.

buckets of rain

An informal expression for very heavy rain.

FAQs

How can I use "a downpour" in a sentence?

You can use "a downpour" to describe a sudden and heavy rainfall event. For example, "The picnic was ruined by "a downpour" that started unexpectedly".

What are some alternatives to saying "a downpour"?

Alternatives include "heavy rainfall", "torrential rain", or "pouring rain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a downpour of snow"?

While "downpour" typically refers to rain, it can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden and intense fall of other things. However, it's more common to use other terms like "blizzard" or "snowstorm" for heavy snow.

What's the difference between "a shower" and "a downpour"?

A shower is generally a brief and light rainfall, while "a downpour" implies a heavy and often sudden burst of intense rain.