clouds of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weather phenomenon where clouds are heavy with moisture, indicating that rain is likely to occur. Example: "As we looked up at the darkening sky, we could see the clouds of rain gathering, signaling an impending storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Under clouds of rain and dust, bulldozers picked through the shrinking ruins of the old Yankee Stadium on Friday.

The New York Times

Clouds of smoke don't necessarily bring clouds of rain.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But in November 1989, as I stood outside the little house in the Quartier Barbacane looking up through the cloud of rain and mist at the fairytale towers and turrets of the Cité, I felt immediately at home.

The Guardian - Travel

Friday's match began under brooding clouds with spots of rain and the outlook looked pretty ominous for Moore, too.

The Guardian - Sport

Like a long-missed sun breaking through clouds after weeks of rain Jim Bolger has arrived with a serious Derby contender to clarify what had become a muddy Classic picture.

The Guardian - Sport

During the first half of the year, clouds and sheets of rain cover the lush rainforest, sheltering the plants from sunlight and causing trees drop more leaves than they produce.

Science Magazine

I hope a cloud of blood rain covers only this pop-up Sodom and showers all the putrescent revellers in steamy sky-born haemoglobin.

Vice

"On Wednesday again a similar looking picture, pieces of cloud and outbreaks of rain continuing through Scotland and Northern Ireland and we may start to see that cloud and rain starting to edge further South into Northern England, maybe across Northern Wales by the end of Wednesday.

Independent

Grey clouds bring the promise of rain.

The Guardian - Travel

Thinking of rain clouds that rose over the city.

The New Yorker

The ratios of hydrogen isotopes in rainfall vary according to the height of rain clouds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of rain" to create a vivid image of impending or existing rainfall. The phrase works well in descriptive writing to enhance the sense of atmosphere.

Common error

While descriptive, "clouds of rain" can sound overly dramatic in formal or technical writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "rain clouds" or simply "overcast conditions" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing weather phenomena where clouds are heavy with moisture, indicating likely rain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science & Research

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of rain" is a grammatically correct and evocative noun phrase used to describe a weather condition characterized by heavy, moisture-laden clouds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for creating vivid imagery, particularly in news, media, and descriptive writing. While its frequency is uncommon, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its appropriate use. When writing, remember that although descriptive, the phrase might be too dramatic for strictly formal or technical contexts, where more concise alternatives like "rain clouds" or a simple statement of "overcast conditions" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain clouds

Focuses specifically on clouds that produce rain, omitting the descriptive 'of'.

rain-bearing clouds

Directly indicates that the clouds are carrying rain.

heavy clouds

Emphasizes the density and weight of the clouds, suggesting a high potential for rain.

storm clouds

Implies a more severe weather condition than just rain, suggesting a storm.

gathering clouds

Emphasizes the act of clouds forming and accumulating, often preceding rain.

threatening skies

Shifts the focus to the overall appearance of the sky, indicating impending rain.

overcast conditions

Describes the state of the sky being covered by clouds, potentially leading to rain.

impending downpour

Highlights the imminent arrival of heavy rainfall.

darkening skies

Focuses on the visual change in the sky's appearance as clouds gather.

grey skies

A simple description of the sky's color, often associated with rainy weather.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of rain" to describe a sky filled with rain-producing clouds, as in "The landscape was dark under the heavy "clouds of rain"." It emphasizes the visual and atmospheric impact.

What is a more concise alternative to "clouds of rain"?

Alternatives include "rain clouds", "storm clouds", or simply stating that it is "overcast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clouds of rain" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "clouds of rain" leans towards descriptive and evocative writing. For formal contexts, more direct terms like "rain clouds" or "heavy precipitation" might be more appropriate.

What feeling does "clouds of rain" evoke compared to "rain clouds"?

"Clouds of rain" emphasizes the visual spectacle and the overwhelming presence of the clouds themselves, often suggesting a sense of foreboding or drama. In comparison "rain clouds" is more straightforward and simply identifies clouds that produce rain.