break in the rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break in the rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary pause or cessation of rain, often indicating a moment of clearer weather. Example: "We decided to go for a walk during the break in the rain, enjoying the fresh air before the downpour resumed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Officials had hoped for an early break in the rain, but it has persisted.

The New York Times

duo and couple who were posing for pictures and enjoying a break in the rain.

The New Yorker

We waited for a break in the rain, but none came.

The New York Times

"If we get a break in the rain, we can bring some people up".

The New Yorker

Still no official word, but apparently still no break in the rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Everywhere, the streets were filled with people, enjoying — at last — a break in the rain.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The sea is calm and graceful, the 19th-century pier below us juts out from the beach, and on the shore I can make out tiny figures enjoying the November breeze between a break in the rains.

The Guardian - Arts

"We expect storm conditions for the next 36 hours, so please do not be lulled into sleep by the breaks in the rain," Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans said at an afternoon news conference, before labeling the storm "one of the stranger ones we've had".

The New York Times

A while later, three men break in from the rain.

The New Yorker

Passengers were told a second attempt to rescue them by helicopter would take place on Thursday if there was a break in the heavy rain, strong winds and cloud, which foiled the earlier effort to reach the ship by air.

The Guardian

A major break in the rainfall data occurred when the rain gages were inoperable for 59 days following landfall of the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane.

Ecological Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break in the rain" to describe a temporary pause during an otherwise rainy period. This implies that the rain is expected to resume. Ensure your sentence reflects this temporary nature.

Common error

Avoid using "break in the rain" to suggest that the rain has stopped completely and permanently. The phrase inherently implies a temporary cessation, not a final one. If the rain has stopped for good, use phrases like "the rain stopped" or "the weather cleared up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break in the rain" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a temporary interruption of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break in the rain" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary pause in rainfall. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While a neutral register makes it suitable for diverse situations, it's essential to remember that this phrase implies a temporary interruption, not a complete cessation of rain. Alternative phrases like "lull in the rain" or "pause in the rain" can offer subtle differences in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential alternatives, writers can effectively and accurately use "break in the rain" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lull in the rain

Focuses on the temporary cessation being quiet or calm.

pause in the rain

Highlights the temporary stopping of the rain.

respite from the rain

Emphasizes the relief provided by the cessation.

intermission in the rain

Suggests a temporary suspension, similar to a theatrical intermission.

temporary cessation of rain

More formal and scientific way of saying that the rain stopped for a while.

brief dry spell

Focuses on the absence of rain for a limited time.

temporary halt to rainfall

A more formal alternative, highlighting the stopping of rainfall.

clearing in the weather

Shifts the focus to the overall improvement in weather conditions.

cessation of the downpour

Highlights the end of heavy rainfall.

reprieve from the storm

Emphasizes the temporary relief from a more severe weather event.

FAQs

How can I use "break in the rain" in a sentence?

You can use "break in the rain" to describe a temporary pause during a rainy period, as in, "We seized the "break in the rain" to run to the store before it started pouring again."

What's a more formal alternative to "break in the rain"?

A more formal alternative would be "temporary cessation of rainfall". This phrase is suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

Is it correct to say "breaks in the rain"?

Yes, "breaks in the rain" is grammatically correct and refers to multiple instances of the rain pausing.

What is the difference between "lull in the rain" and "break in the rain"?

While both phrases refer to a temporary stop in rainfall, "lull in the rain" suggests a quieter or calmer period of reduced rain, while "break in the rain" simply refers to a pause.