severe downpour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe downpour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy and intense rainfall event, often in weather reports or discussions about climate. Example: "The weather forecast predicts a severe downpour this evening, so be sure to carry an umbrella if you plan to go out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The board said the cause of the crash was the pilot's flying into a severe downpour, common in the area, but also pointed out that floats on the helicopter would have helped.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While revealing the rising potential for epic storms, the new findings are likely to confound efforts to discern whether human alterations of the atmosphere, particularly a buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, are increasing the frequency of severe downpours, as many climate experts have predicted.

The New York Times

Already, the effects of climate change are painfully apparent in the shrinking Arctic ice cap, in the death of millions of acres of forest in the Western U.S., in more severe downpours and flooding in the Northeast, and, quite possibly, in the current California drought.

The New Yorker

Donald won the event after 54 holes, the course's Scottish Open debut curtailed by severe downpours.

BBC

Sandbags have been placed at entrances to homes, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the damage caused last month by severe downpours in Devon and Cornwall.

BBC

Even sooner, he says--although still on a geologic timescale--Earth will begin experiencing longer and longer droughts punctuated by severe downpours as UV radiation increases.

Science Magazine

The IPCC says heat-trapping gases, mostly from burning fossil fuels, are nudging up temperatures, and are likely to cause more severe downpours, heatwaves, floods and rising sea levels.

Huffington Post

Terrible Downpour Elaine!

The Guardian

One hard downpour drove away many people at once.

The New Yorker

The storm was particularly severe, but heavy downpours are not a new phenomenon for China.

The Guardian

At the beginning of June, city officials assured the public that it had prepared Mumbai for the monsoons, but the first downpour brought severe flooding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the impacts of a "severe downpour", be specific about the consequences, such as flooding, traffic delays, or property damage.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adjectives to describe the downpour (e.g., 'very severe downpour'). The word "severe" already implies intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe downpour" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'severe' modifies 'downpour'. It describes a specific type of weather event characterized by intense rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in describing heavy rainfall.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe downpour" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe intense rainfall. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news reports, scientific discussions, and general conversations. While "severe downpour" is frequent in News & Media, remember to avoid redundancy by not adding extra adjectives. Using related terms like "torrential rain" can also enhance your writing. Keep in mind the communicative purpose, which is to convey potential danger of the rainfall event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

Focuses on the heavy and intense nature of the rain.

heavy rainfall

Emphasizes the quantity of rain falling.

intense precipitation

Highlights the strength and force of the precipitation.

extreme deluge

Suggests an overwhelming amount of water.

fierce downpour

Highlights the aggressive and forceful nature of the rain.

powerful rainstorm

Emphasizes the strength and intensity of the storm.

extreme rainfall event

More formal and scientific way to describe a heavy rainfall.

massive rain

Focuses on the great quantity of rain.

blinding rain

Describes rain so intense that it reduces visibility.

heavy shower

More informal, but highlights the volume of rain.

FAQs

How can I use "severe downpour" in a sentence?

You can use "severe downpour" to describe intense rainfall events, like "The weather forecast predicts a "severe downpour" this evening, so be sure to carry an umbrella".

What can I say instead of "severe downpour"?

You can use alternatives like "torrential rain", "heavy rainfall", or "intense precipitation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "severely downpouring"?

While grammatically understandable, "severely downpouring" is not a common or natural-sounding phrase. It's better to use ""severe downpour"" or "pouring heavily".

What is the difference between "severe downpour" and "heavy rain"?

"Severe downpour" implies a more intense and potentially damaging rainfall event compared to "heavy rain", suggesting a higher level of risk or impact.