a patch of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a localized area of rain, often implying that the rain is not widespread but rather concentrated in a specific spot. Example: "As we drove through the countryside, we encountered a patch of rain that quickly soaked the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dion's a collector of collections, especially the hundreds or thousands (or more - who knows how many?) hidden in forgotten buildings in small cities around the world: Cabinets of Wonder, specimen museums, obscure archives, as well as the complex and uncataloged collections of things, both manufactured and natural, one might find in, say, a patch of the rain forest or a bank of the Thames.

The New York Times

Suddenly, it found itself going through a patch of freezing rain.

BBC

There may be less reason for gloom and doom at the sight of a patch of logged rain forest.

Science Magazine

Most weather experts are predicting only a small patch of rain, with most of it out of the way by tonight.

The Guardian - Music

We hit a patch of crazy heavy rain not long after my eyes dried.

Vice

Bako National Park, an untouched, 10-mile patch of rain forest complements the museum's wildlife section.

The New York Times - Travel

While frogs, toads, and other amphibians are declining worldwide, one research team has cataloged more than 100 new species, all from one postage-stamp-sized patch of rain forest in Sri Lanka.

Science Magazine

There will be plenty of cloud with a few patches of rain or drizzle likely at times.

BBC

There's "Whistle Down the Wind," with the lyrics, "Let your voices carry, drown out all the rain, light a patch of darkness". Is there a message from these songs that you want the album to carry?

Los Angeles Times

That works because, as rain falls on a patch of the ocean, it freshens the surface water.

The New York Times

The little collection of fruit-bearers growing by the river was his attempt to contrive, rain or no, a patch of the paradise, the green, apple-scented Eden, he envisioned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of rain" to describe a localized area where it's raining, implying the rain isn't widespread. For example: "We drove through a "a patch of rain" on the highway."

Common error

While "a patch of rain" is acceptable, it might sound too informal for scientific or formal writing. Consider using more precise terms like "localized precipitation" or "area of rainfall" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of rain" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a localized occurrence of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It denotes a specific area experiencing rain, as opposed to widespread precipitation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a patch of rain" is a grammatically sound way to describe a localized area of rainfall. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is currently missing in our dataset. The phrase serves to communicate the presence of rain in a limited area, carrying a generally neutral register. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "localized precipitation" might be preferable. When using "a patch of rain", remember that it describes a specific, limited area experiencing rainfall, not a widespread condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shower of rain

Refers to a brief and light rainfall.

a sprinkle of rain

Suggests a very light and scattered rainfall.

a burst of rain

Implies a sudden and intense but short-lived rainfall.

a spot of rain

Similar to "sprinkle", indicating a very small amount of rain.

a drizzle

Describes a fine, misty rain.

light rain

General term for rain that is not heavy.

scattered showers

Indicates that rain is occurring in some areas but not others.

isolated rain

Implies that the rain is confined to a small area.

passing shower

Suggests that the rain is temporary and will soon stop.

brief rainfall

Highlights the short duration of the rain.

FAQs

How can I use "a patch of rain" in a sentence?

You can use "a patch of rain" to describe a small, localized area of rainfall, for example: "We encountered "a patch of rain" on our drive, but it cleared up quickly."

What's a more formal way to say "a patch of rain"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "localized precipitation" or "an area of rainfall" instead of "a patch of rain".

Is it correct to say "a patch of rains" instead of "a patch of rain"?

No, the correct phrase is "a patch of rain". "Rain" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context.

What images does the phrase "a patch of rain" evoke?

"A patch of rain" suggests a small, isolated area experiencing rainfall, possibly surrounded by clear or drier conditions. It implies the rain is not widespread.