heavy rain

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when it is raining heavily. For example, "The heavy rain kept me from going outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Saturday: 95 with heavy rain.

The New York Times

Then a heavy rain falls.

The New York Times

TOAD-STRANGLER Very heavy rain.

The New York Times - Books

Heavy rain continues.

The Guardian

"Limbo and Heavy Rain.

The Guardian - Tech

Heavy rain cancels.

The New York Times

Until Heavy Rain.

The Guardian - Tech

But the heavy rain stayed away.

The New York Times - Sports

The match was played in heavy rain.

The New York Times - Sports

Meteorologists are warning of more heavy rain.

The New York Times

Heavy rain will cancel the walk.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "heavy rain", be specific about its effects, such as flooding, transportation delays, or structural damage.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "there was heavy rain" without elaborating on the specific characteristics or consequences. Instead, add details about the intensity, duration, and impact to create a more vivid and informative description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "heavy" modifies the noun "rain". It describes a specific type of precipitation characterized by its intensity and volume. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy rain" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a significant amount of rainfall. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable and well-regarded in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific reports, with the purpose of informing or describing weather conditions and their impact. While alternatives like "torrential rain" or "pouring rain" exist, each carries a slightly different nuance. When using "heavy rain", it's beneficial to add descriptive details about its specific effects to provide a clearer and more impactful picture for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the rain.

pouring rain

This alternative suggests a continuous and abundant flow of rain.

driving rain

This alternative highlights the force and direction of the rain, often driven by wind.

severe downpour

This alternative stresses the sudden and intense nature of the rainfall.

intense rainfall

This alternative focuses on the high amount and strength of the rain.

heavy downpour

Downpour emphasizes the sudden and substantial amount of rain.

copious rainfall

This alternative emphasizes the large quantity of rain.

thunderstorm

Refers to a storm with thunder and lightning, usually accompanied by heavy rain.

monsoon rain

Implies a seasonal period of prolonged and heavy rainfall.

deluge

This alternative implies an overwhelming flood, often associated with heavy rain.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy rain" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy rain" to describe weather conditions, such as "The game was canceled due to the heavy rain" or "The forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "heavy rain"?

Alternatives include "torrential rain", "pouring rain", and "driving rain", each conveying a slightly different nuance of intensity or characteristic.

Is it redundant to say "heavy rainfall"?

While "rainfall" inherently implies a certain amount of rain, using "heavy rainfall" can emphasize the intensity and quantity of the rain, making it acceptable in many contexts.

What are the implications of "heavy rain" in different contexts?

The implications of "heavy rain" can vary widely, from causing minor inconveniences like needing an umbrella to triggering severe events such as flooding or landslides. The specific context determines the significance.