downpour

USAGE SUMMARY

"downpour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means a sudden and large amount of rain that falls quickly. Example sentence: The downpour pelted against the window pane.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost 70% of South Sudan is inaccessible during the rainy season and WFP is using the current dry period to prepare for the coming downpour.

The Guardian

A downpour began in the London flat, staining my slacks and drowning the gin and tonic.

The Guardian

It was the song of choice as Belgium's players danced deleriously in the Zagreb downpour as their period of World Cup exile ended with another powerful and controlled win.

The Guardian - Sport

It seemed fitting that after his brave-faced honesty fronting the media this week, Bombers captain Jobe Watson should be confronted in his first game of the season by a Sydney downpour.

The Guardian - Sport

On this day, after a downpour, it smells musty.

The Economist

JUST across the idyllic upper Potomac river in the West Virginia panhandle, a drenched racetrack sits empty in a mid-Atlantic downpour.

The Economist

A downpour in the next few days will not save the corn it has been too hot and dry for too long but it might limit damage to the soya crop and the market as a whole.After two lean seasons, expectations for a bumper corn crop were high, according to Kona Haque of Macquarie, a bank.

The Economist

But when PC growth slowed in 1996 to a more sustainable rate of around 16%, the new capacity led to a glut.In this section The once and future mall Friend of Bill The downpour in Asia Chips on their shoulders The harder they fall Africa's Hollywood But in the physical world . . .

The Economist

But in America, where more than 850 communities rely on ageing sewer systems, a downpour can be especially bleak.

The Economist

Residents of the hilly area of Vani, in what is now the Republic of Georgia, stepped out after a downpour and found a collection of beautifully crafted, ancient gold jewels lying in the muddy streets.

The Economist

Two top international model agencies, Boss and Elite, have opened Cape Town offices; so has "Storm", the Virgin modelling venture launched in September by a flying visit from Kate Moss, a British supermodel.In this section The once and future mall Friend of Bill The downpour in Asia Chips on their shoulders The harder they fall Africa's Hollywood But in the physical world . . .

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downpour" to vividly describe a sudden, heavy rainfall event, emphasizing its intensity and impact. It's more evocative than simply saying "heavy rain".

Common error

Avoid using "downpour" to describe light or intermittent rain; it specifically refers to a sudden and heavy fall. Use words like "shower" or "drizzle" instead when describing light rain.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "downpour" is as a noun. It denotes a specific meteorological phenomenon: a sudden and heavy fall of rain. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "downpour" functions as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its role in describing weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downpour" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a sudden and heavy fall of rain. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It is commonly found in news reports and encyclopedias, carrying a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To effectively use "downpour", remember that it signifies a significant and intense rainfall event, and alternatives like "heavy rain" or "cloudburst" can be used for similar but slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy rain

A more general term referring to significant rainfall.

torrential rain

Emphasizes the intense and forceful nature of the rain.

heavy rainfall

A slightly more formal way of saying heavy rain.

cloudburst

Refers to a sudden and very heavy fall of rain, often localized.

deluge

Implies an overwhelming amount of rain, often causing flooding.

intense shower

Describes a brief but heavy period of rain.

pouring rain

Focuses on the action of the rain falling heavily.

severe rainstorm

Highlights the severity and potential danger of the rainfall.

tropical storm

Rainfall that occur in warm areas and they are characterized by strong winds.

rain shower

It means a brief period of rainfall.

FAQs

How to use "downpour" in a sentence?

You can use "downpour" to describe a sudden, heavy rainfall event. For example, "We got caught in a sudden "downpour" on our way home".

What can I say instead of "downpour"?

You can use alternatives like "heavy rain", "torrential rain", or "cloudburst" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "downpour" or "heavy rain"?

"Downpour" and "heavy rain" are both correct, but "downpour" is more specific, referring to a sudden and intense burst of rain, while "heavy rain" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "downpour" and "shower"?

A "shower" is a brief period of rain, which can be light or heavy, while a ""downpour"" specifically refers to a sudden and very heavy fall of rain.