snowfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "snowfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the event of snow falling or the accumulation of snow on the ground. Example: "The snowfall last night blanketed the city in a beautiful layer of white."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The final passage, however, is also a flawless rendering of the real-life miracle of snowfall, a few light taps upon the window ushering in a flurry of some of the most beautiful prose ever printed.

The Guardian - Books

In March, an Iraqi immigrant who had recently arrived in the US was gunned down outside his apartment in Dallas while taking pictures of his first snowfall.

The Guardian

There's even a transformation scene, in which Jeffries is trimmed of his long, white tangles of hair – the clippings, in the elegant direction by Roger Michell, mirroring the snowfall of the earlier wintry death scenes – and has the neat sides dyed in order to become unrecognisable from the face defamed on front pages.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Amid the festivities, he often homes in on a single figure: a young girl lost in reverie as she stands on a misty road; a boy in bright costume standing in a snowfall.

The Guardian - Arts

After all, warming the air ten degrees when the temperature is dozens of degrees below freezing is likely to increase snowfall, since warmer air is generally moister and precipitates more water".Nils-Axel Morner, a Swedish climate expert based at Stockholm University, points out that observed rises in sea levels have not matched the IPCC's forecasts.

The Economist

Within hours, a rare December snowfall moving across the Levant had closed the two arteries connecting Jerusalem to the coast.

The Economist

After this revelation, heavy snowfall confines the family to the father's home for two days.The film centres on his wife and her emotional struggle.

The Economist

Only snowfall, which starts in early autumn at such high altitudes, can force the rebels to withdraw, at least temporarily.

The Economist

IN JANUARY this year a vast number of would-be travellers were stranded at railway stations and on roads in China, after an unusually heavy snowfall blanketed the south of the country just before the country's new-year festivities.

The Economist

The government's spending plans for the rest of 2014 are based on an assumption of 0.8% growth by year's end, and that now looks as likely as a summer snowfall in Sicily.If Italy is to respect its euro-zone budget-reduction commitments without yet more tax increases, deep spending cuts will be needed (of €15-20 billion by most reckonings).

The Economist

In eastern Antarctica increased snowfall is causing the ice sheet to thicken at the moment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snowfall" to describe both the event of snow falling and the amount of snow that accumulates. For clarity, specify the amount of snowfall (e.g., "a snowfall of 10 inches").

Common error

Avoid using "snowfall" interchangeably with general terms like "precipitation". "Snowfall" specifically refers to the falling of snow, not rain, sleet, or hail.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "snowfall" is as a noun. It describes either the event of snow falling or the amount of snow that has fallen. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in both contexts, from describing disruptions caused by heavy snowfall to measuring specific amounts of snow accumulation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snowfall" functions primarily as a noun, describing both the act of snow falling and the accumulated amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts. It sees frequent use in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. While semantically related phrases like "snow precipitation" and "snow accumulation" exist, "snowfall" is a direct and widely understood term. To use it effectively, ensure it accurately reflects the presence and nature of falling snow, avoiding confusion with other forms of precipitation. Understanding these nuances helps writers convey precise and impactful messages about winter weather.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snow precipitation

Focuses on the meteorological term for snow falling.

snow accumulation

Emphasizes the build-up of snow on the ground.

falling snow

Highlights the action of snow descending from the sky.

snow cover

Describes the extent of the area covered by snow.

snow deposit

Similar to accumulation, but can imply a more localized effect.

snow flurry

Refers to a brief and light fall of snow.

snowstorm

Describes a heavy snowfall event.

snow squall

Indicates a sudden, intense snowfall.

winter precipitation

Broader term encompassing all forms of frozen precipitation.

snow blanket

Emphasizes the covering effect of the snow.

FAQs

How can I use "snowfall" in a sentence?

You can use "snowfall" to describe the event of snow falling, as in "The heavy "snowfall" disrupted traffic", or the amount of snow that falls, such as "The "snowfall" measured 12 inches".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "snowfall"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "snow precipitation" to emphasize the meteorological aspect, or "snow accumulation" to highlight the build-up on the ground.

Is it correct to say "a snowfall of rain"?

No, that would be incorrect. "Snowfall" refers specifically to the falling of snow. If you're referring to rain, use the term "rainfall" instead.

How does climate change affect "snowfall"?

Climate change can lead to unpredictable "snowfall" patterns. Warmer temperatures may decrease overall snowfall in some regions, while increased moisture in the atmosphere could lead to heavier snowfall events in others.