chance of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"chance of rain" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the possibility or likelihood of precipitation. Example: The weather forecast says there is a high chance of rain tomorrow, so make sure to bring an umbrella with you.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Slight chance of rain.

The New York Times

Small chance of rain.

Independent

Chance of rain: 77%.

The Guardian - Sport

There will be a chance of rain.

The New York Times

40% chance of rain (uk.weather.com).weather.com

The Guardian - Music

There is little chance of rain.

The Guardian - Travel

The forecast Monday called for a minimal chance of rain.

The New York Times - Sports

NEW HAVEN "No Chance of Rain," works by Valerie Brennan.

The New York Times

Chance of rain in the afternoon and evening.

The New York Times

18C high, 13C low, 50% chance of rain (uk.weather.com).weather.com

The Guardian - Music

* Oct. 24 at 7 30: "Sinfonietta," "With a Chance of Rain," and "Thirteen Diversions".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify the timing or type of rain (e.g., "chance of rain in the afternoon", "chance of showers").

Common error

Don't use phrases like "there is chance for rain", which although understandable, is not as grammatically sound as "there is a chance of rain" or "there's a chance of rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chance of rain" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a weather forecast or prediction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the possibility or likelihood of precipitation. It is a common way to convey the uncertainty inherent in weather forecasting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chance of rain" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to communicate the probability of precipitation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely understood and accepted. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, and its register is typically neutral, making it accessible to a wide audience. When using this phrase, be specific with percentages for greater clarity. While the alternative, "probability of rain", exists, "chance of rain" remains the more conversational and frequently used option. Be sure you use "chance of" and not "chance for" as that is the correct and idiomatic form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain probability

This is a direct and concise way to state the chance of rain, common in weather reports.

likelihood of precipitation

This emphasizes the scientific aspect of predicting rain, suitable for formal contexts.

possibility of showers

Focuses specifically on brief, light rainfall, implying a less severe weather event.

prospect of rain

This offers a forward-looking view, considering the chances of rain within a specific timeframe.

risk of rainfall

This highlights potential negative consequences associated with rain, such as flooding or travel delays.

expectation of rain

This indicates a belief or anticipation that rain will occur, based on current conditions.

potential for rain

This suggests a broader range of conditions that could lead to rain, not just a specific forecast.

indication of rain

Suggests that there are signs pointing towards rain, based on observed weather patterns.

outlook for rain

Refers to a future expectation of rain, typically used in longer-term weather predictions.

threat of rain

This emphasizes the potential disruptive impact of rain, often used in contexts where outdoor activities are planned.

FAQs

How do I use "chance of rain" in a sentence?

You can use "chance of rain" to describe the likelihood of precipitation. For example, "The forecast shows a 60% "chance of rain" tomorrow" or "There's a slight "chance of rain" this evening, so bring an umbrella".

What's the difference between "chance of rain" and "probability of rain"?

While both phrases refer to the likelihood of rainfall, "probability of rain" is often used in more technical or scientific contexts, while "chance of rain" is common in everyday conversation and weather reports. They are largely interchangeable, but "probability of rain" may sound more formal.

Is it correct to say "a chance for rain" instead of "a chance of rain"?

While "a chance for rain" might be understood, "a chance of rain" is the more grammatically correct and widely accepted phrasing. Stick to "a chance of rain" to ensure clarity and proper usage.

What factors influence the "chance of rain" in a weather forecast?

Weather forecasts calculate the "chance of rain" based on various factors, including atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. Meteorologists use these data points to predict the likelihood and intensity of precipitation in a given area.