a spell of rainfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spell of rainfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period or duration during which it rains continuously or intermittently. Example: "After a long dry spell, the region finally experienced a spell of rainfall that rejuvenated the crops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pedrosa had looked like he would claim pole having led for much of the session before a spell of rainfall forced the riders back into the pits with just under 30 minutes remaining.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While next week is likely to see many parts of the country enjoying a spell of dry, fine weather, August appears to be in danger of becoming a washout, with the experts predicting rainfall significantly above average and temperatures cooler than normal.

The Guardian

Is there a spell of hot weather.

The New Yorker

A series of continuous episodes constitutes a spell of treatment.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Cumbria police said: "A multi-agency response group has been set up in order to combat an extended spell of consistent rainfall which is currently falling across the county.

The Guardian

Prolong spells of rainfall.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

The Save Our Spotland campaign was set up in 2006 because the drainage was so nonexistent that any spell of prolonged rainfall put games at risk.

The Guardian - Sport

He keeps a log of rainfall and snow.

The New York Times

Some years pass without a drop of rainfall.

The New Yorker

A UTI and a subsequent spell of AD were diagnosed.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Maybe they have a better representation of rainfall patterns".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spell of rainfall" to describe a period when rain occurs intermittently or continuously. It is suitable when you want to emphasize the duration of the rainfall, rather than just a single event.

Common error

Avoid using "a spell of rainfall" to describe a single, isolated rain event. This phrase implies a continuous period, so use it when the rain lasts for more than a few minutes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spell of rainfall" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific duration or period characterized by rainfall, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a spell of rainfall" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to describe a period of rain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and BBC, mainly within News & Media and Science contexts. It effectively conveys the duration of the rainfall, making it distinct from describing a single, isolated rain event. When seeking alternatives, consider "a period of rain" or "a wet spell" to emphasize duration or overall dampness, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of rain

Focuses on the duration of the rainfall, similar to the original phrase but more general.

a wet spell

Highlights the dampness and overall wet conditions.

a bout of rain

Suggests a sudden, short burst of rainfall.

a rainy period

Highlights the time frame characterized by rain.

a continued rainfall

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the rain.

a patch of rain

Implies a localized and possibly brief instance of rain.

a shower of rain

Emphasizes the falling nature of the rain.

a downpour

Indicates heavy and intense rainfall.

a drizzle

Describes a light and fine rainfall.

a rainy season

Refers to a prolonged period with frequent rainfall.

FAQs

How can I use "a spell of rainfall" in a sentence?

You can use "a spell of rainfall" to describe a continuous period during which it rains. For example, "After a long drought, the region experienced "a spell of rainfall" that rejuvenated the crops."

What's the difference between "a spell of rainfall" and "a shower"?

"A shower" typically refers to a brief period of rain, while ""a spell of rainfall"" suggests a longer duration of intermittent or continuous rain.

What are some alternatives to "a spell of rainfall"?

Alternatives include "a period of rain", "a bout of rain", or "a wet spell", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a spell of rainfall" formal or informal?

"A spell of rainfall" is neither overly formal nor informal and can be used in various contexts, from news reports to casual conversation. However, in more formal scientific writing, terms like "period of precipitation" might be preferred.