a hard rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy or intense rainfall, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "As the storm approached, we could hear the distant rumble of thunder and knew that a hard rain was on its way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A hard rain started.

The New York Times - Magazine

A hard rain falls.

The Guardian - Books

The bricklayers worked through a hard rain.

The New York Times - Sports

When a hard rain falls, we all feel it.

The New York Times

At 9 p.m. we out-spanned in a hard rain.

The Guardian

As they got started, the skies opened and a hard rain fell.

The New York Times

The day before the festival weekend began, a hard rain turned the pasture into a mudhole.

The New Yorker

But by midmorning Monday, a hard rain had begun to fall again.

The Washington Post

The sweetest moment for weeding is immediately after a hard rain.

The New York Times

They started in a hard rain that cleared by the time they reached the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

A hard rain at 5 p.m. gave way to drizzle that continued to fall past 7.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hard rain" in writing, consider the emotional impact you want to create. The phrase can evoke feelings of discomfort, cleansing, or even renewal, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard rain" in overly predictable or clichéd scenarios. Strive for originality by pairing the phrase with unexpected imagery or emotional landscapes to make the writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of weather event characterized by its intensity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard rain" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe intense rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, frequently found in news and media contexts. While it can be used literally, it also carries metaphorical weight, representing challenges or difficult circumstances. Consider the emotional impact and avoid clichés when incorporating this phrase into your writing. Alternatives like "heavy downpour" or "torrential rain" can provide variety while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy downpour

Replaces "hard" with "heavy", emphasizing the intensity of the rain.

torrential rain

Substitutes "hard" with "torrential", highlighting the overwhelming nature of the rain.

driving rain

Focuses on the force and direction of the rain.

intense rainfall

Uses more formal language to describe the heavy rain.

severe storm

Broadens the scope to include other potential elements of a severe weather event.

heavy precipitation

Employs scientific terminology to refer to substantial rainfall.

deluge

Single word replacement emphasizing a severe flood or heavy rain.

fierce rain

Uses "fierce" to emphasize the strength of the rain.

pouring rain

Describes the action of the rain coming down heavily.

blasting rain

Focuses on the aggressive and forceful impact of the rain.

FAQs

How can I use "a hard rain" in a sentence?

You can use "a hard rain" to describe intense rainfall. For example: "The concert was canceled because "a hard rain" made the venue unsafe."

What phrases are similar to "a hard rain"?

Alternatives include "heavy downpour", "torrential rain", or "driving rain". Each option highlights a specific aspect of intense rainfall.

Is "a hard rain" a metaphor?

Yes, "a hard rain" can be used metaphorically to describe difficult or challenging circumstances in life, similar to how a storm represents adversity.

What's the difference between "a hard rain" and "a light rain"?

"A hard rain" implies a heavy, intense downpour, while "a light rain" suggests a gentle, less intense rainfall.