a shower of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shower of rain" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a short period of rain that is usually light and brief. Example: The couple's outdoor wedding was interrupted by a sudden shower of rain, causing them to quickly move the ceremony indoors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The cleanliness continues as he tortures an enemy suspect, then washes the blood off in a shower of rain.

The New Yorker

Every  time I meet another president I say: a president is just a shower of rain in the life of a country.

The Economist

"Miraculous, powerful, unfathomable reality" had ambushed him elsewhere, too: the wind in a field of yellow chrysanthemums, leaves in the sunlit garden after a shower of rain.

The Economist

The double-decker rescued me from a shower of rain and an exhausting walk around what will very soon be Lancashire's biggest and most contentious development site.

The Guardian - Arts

Think of the last shot of the Zone in Tarkovsky's Stalker, as a shower of rain falls through the roof of a derelict building: we watch the shower ­begin, continue and end while nothing else happens around it.

The Guardian - Music

Chandler sometimes used his shotgun when he detected the boys' presence in his woods, striding into his great back yard and firing off loads of bird shot that pecked down through the broad low canopy of leaves like a shower of rain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After Hofmannsthal's death in 1929, Strauss discovered a long-forgotten sketch of the Danae material among the poet's papers, a scenario that combined the Midas myth and the legend of Jupiter's erotic visit to Danae, the daughter of the bankrupt King Pollux of Eos, in the form of a shower of golden rain.

The New York Times - Arts

Reprising a bit from last year's American Music Awards, Bieber stood with his dancers beneath a shower of artificial rain, the water not just splashing but totally drenching them as he sang about desperately needing one more shot at a second chance.

Los Angeles Times

Before a shower of Academy Awards rain down upon all those associated with  "La La Land" on Sunday, let's take a moment to remember that two of the film's nominees are also responsible for the biggest musical theater hit of the year.

Huffington Post

In 1969, Chairman Mao commanded the construction of a second Beijing beneath the surface of the original city, designed to accommodate all six million of its then inhabitants so that if nuclear war did kick off, folk would still have somewhere to hang out and play Mah Jong while the rest of us burnt to death in a shower of atomic rain.

Vice

In 1969, Chairman Mao commanded the construction of a second Beijing beneath the surface of the original city, designed to accommodate all six million of its then inhabitants, so that if nuclear war did kick off, folk would still have somewhere to hang out and play Mah Jong while the rest of us burnt to death in a shower of atomic rain.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive language to specify the intensity of the shower; words like “light,” “heavy,” or “sudden” can add depth and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "a shower of rain" when describing a prolonged or heavy rainfall. This phrase is more appropriate for short, light events; for heavier or longer rains, consider terms like "downpour" or "torrential rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shower of rain" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shower of rain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to depict brief and typically light rainfall. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. Analysis of various sources, including news media and online encyclopedias, shows its prevalence in describing short-lived weather conditions. When using this phrase, it’s important to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity and duration of the rain, avoiding its application to heavier or prolonged rainfall events. For those instances, you can consider alternatives such as "a downpour" or "torrential rain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing shower

Emphasizes that the rain is temporary and will soon cease.

a brief rain

Focuses on the short duration of the rainfall.

a short rain

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning about brief rainfall.

a rain flurry

Suggests a sudden and brief burst of rainfall.

a light drizzle

Emphasizes the fine and gentle nature of the rain.

a rain burst

Focuses on the suddenness and intensity, though potentially short-lived, of the rainfall.

a sprinkling of rain

Highlights the scattered and sparse nature of the rainfall.

a spell of rain

Highlights the duration and temporary aspect of rainfall.

a rain squall

Refers to a sudden, localized, and short-lived increase in wind speed associated with heavy rain.

a downpour

Implies a heavy and intense rainfall, contrasting with the lighter nature of "shower".

FAQs

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

You can use "a shower of rain" to describe a brief period of rainfall. For example, "The picnic was interrupted by a sudden shower of rain, but it passed quickly."

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

"A shower of rain" refers to a short, often light period of rain, while "a downpour" implies heavy and intense rainfall.

What are some alternatives to "a shower of rain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a light rain", "a brief rain", or "a passing shower".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a shower of rain"?

Yes, "a shower of rain" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a short, light period of rainfall.