patch of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patch of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a localized area where it is raining, often in contrast to surrounding areas that may be dry. Example: "As we drove through the countryside, we encountered a sudden patch of rain that soaked the road for a few minutes before it cleared up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most weather experts are predicting only a small patch of rain, with most of it out of the way by tonight.

The Guardian - Music

While frogs, toads, and other amphibians are declining worldwide, one research team has cataloged more than 100 new species, all from one postage-stamp-sized patch of rain forest in Sri Lanka.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Light patches of rain on Thursday caused tempers to fray.

The Guardian - Sport

Rays of sunshine through patches of rain scatter shards of rainbows.

The New York Times

There are patches of rain around London, but the good news is that the precedent so far today has been to tough them out and play through.

The Guardian - Sport

At noon, as the worst patches of rain moved through the area, officials at Kennedy and La Guardia Airports reported delays of up to 45 minutes.

The New York Times

But there is no hiding from embarrassing home losses like this one, in which South Africa took barely three days of cricket between patches of rain to make a mockery of Smith's side.

The Guardian - Sport

PAGE 6 AFRICAN PARK FACES DEVELOPMENT Gabon is home to one of the most pristine patches of rain forest on earth, a direct but accidental result of Gabon's reliance on one of the filthiest fossil fuels: crude oil.

The New York Times

And despite patches of rain, which turned parts of the venue's outside areas into a soggy bog, the overall genial, celebratory atmosphere could not be dampened, especially when the sun eventually came out.

TechCrunch

Dion's a collector of collections, especially the hundreds or thousands (or more - who knows how many?) hidden in forgotten buildings in small cities around the world: Cabinets of Wonder, specimen museums, obscure archives, as well as the complex and uncataloged collections of things, both manufactured and natural, one might find in, say, a patch of the rain forest or a bank of the Thames.

The New York Times

Suddenly, it found itself going through a patch of freezing rain.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patch of rain" to describe a small, localized area experiencing rainfall, especially when contrasting it with surrounding dry areas. For example: "We drove through a sudden "patch of rain" but emerged into sunshine within minutes."

Common error

While "patch of rain" is perfectly acceptable in general writing, avoid overusing it in formal or scientific contexts. Opt for more precise terms like "localized precipitation" or "isolated shower" when describing weather phenomena in academic papers or professional reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patch of rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific, localized area experiencing rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "patch of rain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe a localized area of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English. It's found predominantly in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. While it's generally neutral in tone, more formal settings might benefit from using precise terms like "localized precipitation". When writing, ensure that using "patch of rain" appropriately describes the limited scope of the rainfall to provide clarity and precision to your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated shower

Focuses on the isolated and temporary nature of the rain.

brief rainfall

Highlights the short duration of the rain.

localized downpour

Emphasizes the intense but limited area of the rainfall.

passing shower

Indicates that the rain is temporary and will move on quickly.

spot of rain

Uses "spot" as a synonym for a small area.

shower in the area

Refers to rain occurring within a specific location.

scattered rain

Suggests rain falling unevenly across an area.

light drizzle

Describes a very light and fine rain.

short burst of rain

Highlights the sudden and brief nature of the rainfall.

small rain cloud

Focuses on the origin of the rain as a small, contained cloud.

FAQs

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

You can use "patch of rain" to describe a small, localized area where it is raining. For example: "The forecast predicts a "patch of rain" this afternoon." or "We drove through a "patch of rain" on the highway."

What can I say instead of "patch of rain"?

You can use alternatives like "isolated shower", "brief rainfall", or "localized downpour" depending on the context.

Is "patch of rain" formal or informal?

"Patch of rain" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal term. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "area of precipitation" or "localized rainfall".

What's the difference between "patch of rain" and "rain shower"?

While similar, a "patch of rain" emphasizes the localized nature of the rain, while "rain shower" often implies a brief period of rain that may cover a larger area. A "rain shower" might be more intense and shorter, whereas a "patch of rain" simply defines a small area experiencing rain.