cloudburst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloudburst" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden, intense rainfall that can lead to flash flooding. Example: "The forecast warned of a possible cloudburst, so we decided to postpone our hike in the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No man shooting a partridge wants to hit it on the wing, so that it dies slowly," he says, continuing the analogy: "It must be a direct hit".In this section A cloudburst of dictionaries Man of the moment Science in fiction is not science fiction An ace fills the straight ReprintsHis photographs often share the calm grandeur of great French painting.

The Economist

It is also more in tune with the times and, arguably, more scholarly too.In this section A cloudburst of dictionaries Man of the moment Science in fiction is not science fiction An ace fills the straight ReprintsTo call this, as its hypesters do, "the most important new dictionary in over a hundred years" is, however, tosh ("Brit. informal: rubbish, late 19th cent").

The Economist

The fury of a single monsoon cloudburst can precipitate enough water to overflow river banks.

The Economist

When the rains came in a cloudburst, Ahab was riding in his chariot in the Valley of Jezreel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I started in Memphis, pulling into town during a Biblical cloudburst.

Independent

Skill there was in plenty; courage in full measure; errors and spills, too; but what nobody had expected was for there to be so many goals/dreadful misses/pitch invasions/a freak cloudburst which washed out the game, necessitating a replay, you never know, stranger things have happened, thought I'd put that in just in case.

Independent

When the cloudburst sent the players to the pavilion at 8.21pm, England were 345 for 7, needing 54 runs from 6.1 overs, with Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid well established.

Independent

But, would you credit it, a cloudburst ruins his new look.

Independent

This one, we just got three quarters of an hour of cloudburst and there's just nothing you can do about that".

Independent

Our former neighbour Ralph contributed gutsy sax solos, but the sound was a trifle muffled since a cloudburst forced us first into the beer tent, then home.

Independent

"Oh, Charlie!" Mrs. DePaul was a stout woman with an impulsive heart, and Charlie's plaint struck at her holiday mood as if she had been caught in a cloudburst.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cloudburst", consider the geographical context. It is particularly apt for mountainous or hilly areas where intense rainfall can quickly lead to dangerous conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "cloudburst" to describe days-long rain events. The term specifically denotes a sudden and short-lived burst of intense precipitation, not extended periods of moderate rain.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cloudburst" is as a noun, referring to a sudden and intense downpour of rain. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its usage to describe weather events and, metaphorically, sudden bursts of other phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloudburst" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes a sudden, intense rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While its literal meaning refers to weather events, it can also be used metaphorically. When using "cloudburst", ensure you're conveying the suddenness and intensity of the rainfall, and avoid using it for prolonged, moderate rain events. Alternatives include "sudden downpour" or "torrential rain", depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden downpour

Focuses on the sudden and unexpected nature of the rainfall.

torrential rain

Emphasizes the intensity and volume of the rain.

heavy rainfall

A general term for a large amount of rain falling.

intense shower

Highlights the powerful nature of the rain event.

flash flood

Implies the potential consequences of a cloudburst, focusing on rapid flooding.

deluge

Emphasizes the overwhelming and drenching quality of the rain.

monsoon

Refers to a seasonal pattern of heavy rainfall, more general than a "cloudburst".

thunderstorm

Highlights the electrical activity associated with a heavy rainfall event.

rainstorm

A general term for a storm characterized by rainfall.

water spout

A more extreme weather event that can include heavy rain, although it primarily refers to a tornado over water.

FAQs

How to use "cloudburst" in a sentence?

You can use "cloudburst" to describe a sudden heavy rainfall, for example: "The sudden "cloudburst" caused flash flooding in the valley." It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden outpouring of something, like emotions or criticism.

What can I say instead of "cloudburst"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden downpour", "torrential rain", or "heavy rainfall" depending on the context.

Is "cloudburst" a formal or informal term?

"Cloudburst" is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and purpose of the writing than on its inherent formality.

What are the typical effects of a "cloudburst"?

A "cloudburst" typically leads to flash flooding due to the rapid accumulation of water. It can also cause landslides in hilly areas, disrupt transportation, and damage property.