rainfall commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rainfall commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of rainfall, often in a descriptive or narrative context. Example: "As the dark clouds gathered overhead, rainfall commenced, drenching the parched earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The climate of the region is generally characterized as humid tropical and peak rainfall commences in September and ends abruptly around November.

Applied Water Science

Soil temperature monitoring suggested, however, that at trail crossings, surface soils were thawed during the time period when significant rainfall-runoff events first commenced in 2009.

Environmental Management

Rainfall in the year the survey commenced was well above average at 946 mm following 4 notable years of below average rainfall.

Ecological Processes

Just as surprising was the timing of some of these trips: Whereas some migrations commenced just after the distant rainfalls occurred, several others didn't begin until weeks after the lake-generating rains had come and gone.

Science Magazine

The government joint 2009 Belg seasonal assessment that commenced on 8th June is expected to come up with the proper estimate of the Belg rainfall impact on crop production and food security situation for the season.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Countdown commenced.

The New Yorker

Dealmaking commenced.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally the job commenced.

The New York Times

Building commenced about 1632.

Britannica

Loud noises commenced.

The Washington Post

The fighting commenced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rainfall commenced" in formal writing or when aiming for a slightly elevated style. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "rain began" are often preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "rainfall commenced" in informal contexts, as it can sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "it started raining".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rainfall commenced" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the beginning of a period of rain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's used to describe the onset of precipitation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rainfall commenced" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the start of rain. According to Ludwig AI, while correct, it carries a slightly formal tone and might not be suitable for all contexts. More common alternatives like "rain began" or "it started raining" are often preferred in informal settings. Its use is most appropriate in scientific reports, formal writing, or narrative descriptions where a degree of formality is desired. The phrase's frequency is relatively rare, reflecting its specific stylistic niche.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rain began

Uses a more common and simpler verb.

precipitation started

Replaces "rainfall" with a broader term and "commenced" with a synonym.

rain initiated

Substitutes "commenced" with a more formal synonym.

the rains began to fall

Adds a more descriptive element to the beginning of rain.

downpour started

Implies heavier rainfall.

showers began

Describes light rainfall.

the first drops fell

Focuses on the initial moment of rainfall.

a drizzle started

Describes a very light rain starting.

the heavens opened

An idiomatic expression for heavy rain starting suddenly.

wet season began

Focuses on the beginning of a rainy season instead of a single rainfall event.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "rainfall commenced"?

A more common way to express the same idea is to say "rain began" or "it started raining".

In what context is it appropriate to use the phrase "rainfall commenced"?

The phrase "rainfall commenced" is suitable for formal writing, scientific reports, or narrative contexts where a slightly elevated tone is desired.

What are some synonyms for "commenced" that can be used with "rainfall"?

You can use synonyms like "rainfall began", "rainfall started", or "rainfall initiated".

Is "rainfall commenced" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rainfall commenced" is grammatically correct, but it's important to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.