sheets of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheets of rain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. For example: "The storm last night brought sheets of rain, so I stayed indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was pouring, slanting sheets of rain.

The Guardian - Music

MONDAY, AUG. 15 Dark skies and sheets of rain.

The New York Times

Thin sheets of rain dancing down the street.

The New York Times

Slanting sheets of rain pelted forests beyond the far bank.

The New York Times - Sports

Others found poetry in the gales of wind and sheets of rain.

The New York Times

I looked outside at the sheets of rain and darkening sky.

The New York Times

I was surprised by how many people were out running, despite the sheets of rain.

The New York Times

Scudding sheets of rain made the enforced stay at home welcome for many residents.

The New York Times

On Friday, sheets of rain obscured the Old City's ancient domes.

The New York Times

In winter, sheets of rain drive in from the west and make shuddering patterns.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes we had to stop in midstream and midstorm because the sheets of rain made the passages between rocks invisible.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheets of rain" to vividly describe heavy downpours, especially when emphasizing the visual aspect of the rain as a continuous, dense curtain.

Common error

Avoid using "sheets of rain" to describe light or moderate rainfall. This phrase is specifically for very heavy, visually impactful downpours.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheets of rain" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence to describe a particular type of heavy rainfall. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a common idiom. Examples in Ludwig show it modifying verbs like "lashed", "pelted", and "obscured".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

3%

Huffington Post

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheets of rain" is a common and vivid noun phrase used to describe heavy rainfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s an idiom that effectively conveys the intensity and visual impact of a downpour. This phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news reports, books, and general descriptions. While frequently found in news and media, it is less common in more technical or scientific contexts. To avoid misuse, remember that this phrase is best suited for describing very heavy, visually striking rainfall, not light showers. Alternative phrases like "torrential downpour" or "pouring rain" can be used to add nuance or variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouring rain

Focuses on the continuous flow of the rain.

heavy rainfall

A more general term for a significant amount of rain.

intense rainfall

Similar to heavy rainfall, but with a stronger emphasis on intensity.

torrential downpour

Emphasizes the intensity and volume of the rain.

wall of rain

Emphasizes the visual density and barrier-like quality of the rain.

driving rain

Highlights the force and direction of the rain.

deluge of rain

Suggests a sudden and overwhelming amount of rain.

blinding rain

Highlights how the rain impairs visibility.

copious rain

Highlights the abundant quantity of rain.

heavy shower

Describes a brief period of substantial rain.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheets of rain" to describe a heavy downpour. For example, "Sheets of rain obscured the city skyline during the storm".

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

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

Is it appropriate to use "sheets of rain" in formal writing?

Yes, "sheets of rain" is appropriate in formal writing when describing weather conditions, as it provides a vivid and descriptive image. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "sheets of rain" and "heavy rain"?

"Sheets of rain" implies a more intense and visually striking downpour, suggesting that the rain falls in a continuous, almost solid curtain. "Heavy rain" is a more general term for a significant amount of rainfall.