small amount of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amount of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a light or minimal precipitation event, often in weather reports or casual conversation about weather conditions. Example: "The forecast predicts a small amount of rain throughout the day, so you might want to carry an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then, even a small amount of rain will stir up the exposed silt.

The New York Times

Mud lovers are not going to get any joy out on the track this week as after a small amount of rain tonight the rest of the week is expected to be clear of the wet stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Even a small amount of rain can restrict outside access.

Huffington Post

"We had received a small amount of rain from unpredicted thunderstorms," she continues, "and this was voiced over the radio traffic.

Huffington Post

Clouds hovering over Southern California could deposit a small amount of rain on the region Friday, possibly affecting road conditions for thousands of people traveling over the Memorial Day weekend.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The agency warns that people should be ready for floods even with relatively small amounts of rain.

BBC

"The rain falling anywhere at the moment is going to hit saturated ground and even quite small amounts of rain can cause flooding".

BBC

Some of Gustav's more northerly remnants even drifted into Minnesota where they dropped small amounts of rain.

Wikipedia

For those unaccustomed to Southern California's aggressively sunny climate, it's hard to understand how even small amounts of rain can cause big problems on the roads.

Los Angeles Times

You might like to consider using paper varnish or spray to give them a small amount of resilience against rain.

WikiHow

Unseasonal or low amounts of rain would be expected to influence the crop yields.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather forecasts or conditions, use "small amount of rain" to indicate a low expectation of precipitation. It's suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many adjectives before "rain". Saying "very light small amount of rain" is redundant. Choose the most impactful descriptor and stick to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of rain" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or modifier in a sentence. It typically describes the quantity of precipitation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small amount of rain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe light precipitation. According to Ludwig, it is used in news reports, general conversation, and informative articles. While it is not particularly formal or technical, it provides a clear and easily understood description of a weather condition. Related phrases like "light rainfall" or "drizzle" can be used as alternatives. When using this phrase, avoid redundant descriptors and ensure it fits the overall context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light rainfall

Replaces "small amount" with "light", focusing on the intensity of the rain.

slight rain

Uses "slight" instead of "small", emphasizing the minimal nature of the precipitation.

light shower

Combines "light" to describe the intensity, with "shower" to describe a brief period of rain.

drizzle

Specifically refers to a very light rain.

minimal rainfall

Replaces "small amount" with "minimal", focusing on the very low quantity of rain.

a bit of rain

Uses "a bit" to indicate a small quantity of rain.

scattered showers

Indicates rain that is not widespread or heavy.

a sprinkle of rain

Suggests a very light and brief rain event.

patchy rain

Emphasizes that the rain is not continuous but occurs in isolated areas.

trace of rain

Highlights that the rain is barely perceptible.

FAQs

How can I use "small amount of rain" in a sentence?

You can use "small amount of rain" to describe light precipitation, such as, "The forecast predicts a "small amount of rain" this afternoon, so bring an umbrella just in case."

What are some synonyms for "small amount of rain"?

Alternatives include "light rainfall", "slight rain", or "drizzle", depending on the context and the specific type of light precipitation.

Is it correct to say "a small rain" instead of "small amount of rain"?

While "a small rain" might be understood, it is not as common or grammatically standard as ""small amount of rain"". The latter is more precise and widely accepted.

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

"Small amount of rain" implies minimal precipitation, while "heavy rain" indicates substantial and possibly intense rainfall.