brief shower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief shower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of rain or a quick washing experience. Example: "The weather forecast predicts a brief shower this afternoon, so don't forget your umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A woman gave her shopping cart, loaded with bottles and cans, a brief shower.

The New York Times

Exhausted, I'd have a quick dinner around 2 a.m., a brief shower and then to bed.

The New York Times

There appears to have been a brief shower of sparks until the nose was lowered.

Independent

The only time their hands were completely untied was for a brief shower.

The New York Times - Magazine

Playing through wind, rain and a brief shower of hail, Overton was at eight-under 136.

The New York Times

A week ago there was a day when the sky was blue, after a brief shower washed out the dust and smoke.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Temperatures will probably linger between 12 and 20 degrees celsius, and brief showers are also likely.

Independent

The cool season generally lasts from October to February and is marked by fogs and brief showers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

/ Are you gonna let these Americans put another dent in your life?" The music begins at a restful pace, and then Mercer and Kurstin allow the song to bloom with ornament: echoey guitar figures, brief showers of whistling, passages of background singing.

The New Yorker

Commissioner D'Angelo announced that Goodyear would fly the two blimps above NYC every night with lighted signs on their sides to take brief showers instead of baths and to stop running hot water on dishes and would also distribute leaflets on water conservation as another volunteer measure.

The New Yorker

The weather had been spotty, the water in the Gulf was cloudy and there were periodic brief showers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather, consider using "brief shower" to convey a short-lived rainfall. It's more descriptive than simply saying "rain".

Common error

Be mindful of using "brief shower" within sentences or paragraphs that already contain several instances of the word "brief". Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief shower" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "brief" describes the duration or intensity of the noun "shower". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief shower" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short period of rain or a quick wash. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, science, and wiki contexts. While versatile, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "short rain" or "quick wash" for variation. When talking about the weather, using "brief shower" offers a more descriptive and precise understanding of the duration compared to simply stating "rain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short rain

Focuses solely on the meteorological aspect, specifying the short duration of the rainfall.

quick rain

Similar to 'short rain', it emphasizes the speed and brevity of the rainfall.

light sprinkle

Describes a very light rainfall, almost mist-like, and short in duration.

short burst of rain

Emphasizes the sudden and brief nature of the rainfall.

fleeting shower

Uses 'fleeting' to highlight the very temporary nature of the rainfall.

quick wash

Refers to the act of washing oneself quickly, focusing on personal hygiene.

hasty bath

Suggests a quick and hurried bathing experience.

fast rinse

Implies a very brief and superficial washing, more like a rinsing action.

momentary downpour

Highlights a sudden and heavy, but short-lived, rainfall.

short spell of rain

Replaces shower with a spell, emphasizing a short period of rain.

FAQs

How can I use "brief shower" in a sentence?

You can use "brief shower" to describe a short period of rain, such as, "The forecast predicts a "brief shower" this afternoon."

What's the difference between "brief shower" and "light sprinkle"?

While both describe short rain events, "light sprinkle" implies an even lighter amount of rain than a "brief shower". A "light sprinkle" is almost mist-like.

What can I say instead of "brief shower" when referring to rain?

Alternatives include "short rain", "quick rain", or "fleeting shower".

Is it appropriate to use "brief shower" in formal writing?

Yes, "brief shower" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing as it is a common and easily understood phrase. However, consider your audience and choose vocabulary that suits the tone of your writing.