bursts of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bursts of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sudden, brief periods of rainfall, often implying intensity or a quick change in weather. Example: "The forecast predicted bursts of rain throughout the afternoon, so we decided to bring our umbrellas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The wind freshened, blowing away the mist but bringing instead sharp bursts of rain.

The Guardian - Travel

Short bursts of rain, loss of trees and climate change, have carved the gulley through arable land.

The Guardian

4/10: Approaching Michael brings bursts of rain but breaks the cycle of heat for which few complain.

The Washington Post

And while these crises often occur simultaneously in different regions, they also happen in the same places as short, fierce bursts of rain punctuate long dry spells.

Columbia University

In recent years, longer dry spells have been punctuated by brief, concentrated bursts of rain that can wash away soil and run off without soaking into the ground.

The New York Times

"There could be a few heavy bursts of rain later in the afternoon and in the evening, so it's worth anyone going taking an umbrella or waterproofs, although it won't be cold with temperatures up to about 22C (71.6F).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A dozen miles or so from the very top of Scotland there's a sudden burst of rain.

The Times

The two traded breaks early in the fourth set before a quick burst of rain interrupted the match for a few minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

A fast-moving cloud unleashed a short burst of rain, and Thai production assistants collected beneath the gnarled boughs of an old pomelo tree.

The New Yorker

The Americans hoped that another well-timed burst of rain during the gold-medal game would have an equally cleansing effect.

The New York Times - Sports

This demonstration was not as heavily promoted, and a burst of rain in the morning may have kept the numbers down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bursts of rain" to vividly describe short, intense periods of rainfall, especially when contrasting them with drier conditions or other weather phenomena. It creates a more dynamic picture than simply saying "rain".

Common error

While descriptive, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "scattered showers" or "sudden downpours" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bursts of rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of weather event, referring to short, intense episodes of rainfall. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bursts of rain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe brief, intense periods of rainfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news reports, wiki articles, and academic texts. While suitable for vivid descriptions, avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives such as "scattered showers" or "sudden downpours".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Showers of rain

Replaces "bursts" with "showers", implying a slightly longer or more sustained period of rain, but still intermittent.

Intermittent showers

Focuses on the on-and-off nature of the rain.

Sudden downpours

Emphasizes the sudden and heavy nature of the rain.

Occasional rain showers

Highlights the infrequent nature of the rain.

Sporadic rainfall

Focuses on the irregular and unpredictable nature of the rain.

Scattered showers

Implies that the rain is not widespread and affects only certain areas.

Brief spells of rain

Highlights the short duration of the rainy periods.

Torrential downpours

Replaces "bursts" with "torrential downpours", focusing on the heavy and intense rainfall.

Fleeting rain

Stresses the very short duration of the rain.

Sustained rainfall

Changes the focus to continuous rain, rather than intermittent.

FAQs

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

You can use "bursts of rain" to describe short, intense periods of rainfall. For example, "The picnic was interrupted by sudden "bursts of rain"".

What's the difference between "bursts of rain" and "showers of rain"?

"Bursts of rain" suggests a more sudden and intense rainfall than "showers of rain", which implies a lighter and more prolonged period of rainfall.

What can I say instead of "bursts of rain"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden downpours", "intermittent showers", or "scattered showers" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "bursts of rains"?

No, the correct plural form is "bursts of rain". "Rain" is typically used as an uncountable noun. Saying "bursts of rains" is grammatically incorrect.