break in the weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break in the weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a change in the weather, usually when the weather becomes better after having been bad for a period of time. For example: "We were expecting the rain to last for the entire weekend, but luckily we got a break in the weather on Sunday afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It feels like a necessary break in the weather.

The Guardian

It bet, wrongly, that there would be a break in the weather.

The Economist

Finally, during a break in the weather, the helicopter took off and headed north.

The New Yorker

PROFESSIONAL options traders, like sailors and fishermen, are always watching for a break in the weather.

The New York Times

A break in the weather allowed searchers to fan out today on the Reno side.

The New York Times

You can also chat to me on Twitter – when there's a break in the weather I'll even talk back.

The Guardian

By the way, as I was writing this blog entry, there was a break in the weather.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He has also just completed a novel; in 2008, he will try to find a publisher for "A Break in the Weathers," which owes a stylistic debt to the writer Chuck Klosterman, he said, and features a 20-something with complicated relationships.

The New York Times

We need the ability to move quickly when breaks in the weather occur.

The Washington Post

"I was finally starting to see breaks in the weather, but they were short windows — 17 hours.

The New York Times - Sports

Innovativeness is immanent for family farms due to the necessity to adapt continuously in the course of a seasonal rhythm, breaks in the weather, amendments in societal guidelines, or technical progress.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break in the weather" to describe a temporary pause or improvement in adverse weather conditions, especially when planning outdoor activities or discussing events affected by the weather.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "break in the weather" signifies a permanent change; it typically indicates a temporary respite, so adjust plans accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break in the weather" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a temporary improvement in adverse weather, and examples illustrate its role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break in the weather" is a common and correct way to describe a temporary improvement in adverse weather conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, whether you're discussing travel plans, rescue operations, or even political strategy. Remember, while it signals a positive change, it's typically short-lived, so seize the opportunity when you see that "break in the weather"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lull in the storm

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the calm within a larger period of disturbance.

respite from the weather

Highlights the relief provided by a temporary cessation of bad weather.

clear skies

Focuses on the visual aspect of the improved weather condition, implying a brighter, more pleasant atmosphere.

window of opportunity in the weather

Suggests a limited timeframe during which conditions are favorable for a specific activity.

temporary improvement in weather conditions

A more formal way of describing the phenomenon, suitable for technical or scientific contexts.

pause in the downpour

Specifically refers to a break in heavy rainfall, offering a brief period of dryness.

a spell of fair weather

Indicates a short duration of good weather following a period of poor conditions.

easing of the storm

Focuses on the diminishing intensity of a storm, suggesting a gradual return to normalcy.

cessation of inclement weather

A formal and somewhat dramatic way of saying the bad weather has stopped, even if temporarily.

reprieve from the elements

Emphasizes the relief from harsh environmental conditions, not just weather.

FAQs

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

You can use "break in the weather" to describe a temporary improvement in adverse weather conditions, such as, "We took advantage of the "break in the weather" to go for a hike."

What's a good alternative to "break in the weather"?

Alternatives include phrases like "lull in the storm", which emphasizes the temporary nature of the calm or "respite from the weather", highlighting the relief from adverse conditions.

Is it correct to say "breaks in the weather" instead of "break in the weather"?

While "breaks in the weather" is grammatically acceptable to describe multiple instances, "break in the weather" is more commonly used to refer to a single, specific instance of improved weather during a period of bad weather.

How does a "break in the weather" influence outdoor activities?

A "break in the weather" often presents a "window of opportunity in the weather" for resuming outdoor activities, repairs, or travel that were previously hindered by adverse conditions.