substantial rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of rainfall, often in weather reports or discussions about climate conditions. Example: "The forecast predicts substantial rain over the weekend, so be prepared for possible flooding in low-lying areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"We haven't encountered any substantial rain, there's no trees down, but there are five-foot waves.

The Guardian

Some spots did get substantial rain, nearly five inches in Harlow in Carteret County and about an inch in nearby New Bern and Beaufort.

The New York Times

Following substantial rain, Hydro Tasmania on Thursday confirmed the state is now powered entirely by renewable energy for the first time in 2016.

The Guardian

Substantial rain in Tasmania has enabled the state to turn off its temporary diesel generators that were imported due to electricity shortages sparked by record low rainfall and a broken Bass Strait electricity cable.

The Guardian

Reservoirs that the city relies on for water are at 23percentt of normal capacity, and the last substantial rain was in late January, said Chandra Marsh, a water conservation educator and compliance specialist with the City of Santa Fe Water Department.

The New York Times

Additionally, open air exercises are seriously abridged by substantial rain, snow and wind chill, estimates could be utilized to arrange exercises around these occasions, to prepare and survive.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Evidence points out to rivers having drained regions that received substantial rains, and investigations by Dubois et al. (2014) indicate that the belt of convective clouds would have occurred over northeast Borneo and likely also over Thailand and adjacent regions.

Geoscience Letters

The high transmission time point was after substantial rains in January 2004.

BMC Infectious Diseases

A Met Office spokesman, Charlie Powell, said: "It is possible there could be up to three inches of rain in hilly and mountainous areas of Wales, with lower but still substantial rainfall in more low-lying areas".

The Guardian

Met Office spokesman Charlie Powell said: "It is possible there could be up to three inches of rain in hilly and mountainous areas of Wales, with lower but still substantial rainfall in more low-lying areas".

Independent

And Met Office spokesman Charlie Powell warned: "It is possible there could be up to three inches of rain in hilly and mountainous areas of Wales, with lower but still substantial rainfall in more low-lying areas".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of weather events, use "substantial rain" to highlight the significance of the rainfall on the environment or human activities. For example, "Substantial rain alleviated the drought conditions in the region."

Common error

While "substantial rain" is acceptable, varying your vocabulary can improve your writing. Consider using synonyms like "heavy rainfall" or "significant precipitation" to prevent repetition and keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial rain" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "rain". Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing weather events and their impact. It indicates a significant quantity of rainfall.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial rain" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant amount of rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not as common as other similar phrases like "heavy rain", it offers a nuanced way to convey the impact of rainfall in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. To enhance your writing, be mindful of overuse and explore synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy rainfall

Emphasizes the intensity and volume of the rain.

significant precipitation

A more formal and scientific way to describe a notable amount of rain or other forms of precipitation.

considerable rainfall

Highlights the notable quantity of rain.

ample rain

Suggests that there is more than enough rain, perhaps even beneficial amounts.

copious rain

Emphasizes the abundant and plentiful nature of the rain.

abundant rainfall

Similar to copious, stressing the plentiful amount of rain.

torrential rain

Describes rain that is falling in extremely heavy and intense streams.

major downpour

Implies a sudden and intense episode of heavy rain.

prolonged rainfall

Focuses on the duration of the rain event, rather than just the intensity.

extensive rainfall

Indicates that the rain covers a large area or has lasted for a significant period.

FAQs

What does "substantial rain" mean?

"Substantial rain" refers to a significant amount of rainfall, enough to have a noticeable impact. The term implies that the rain is more than just a light shower and is capable of affecting the environment or human activities.

How can I use "substantial rain" in a sentence?

You might say, "The forecast predicts "substantial rain" over the next few days", or "The crops benefited greatly from the "substantial rain" we had last week".

What are some alternatives to "substantial rain"?

Alternatives include "heavy rainfall", "significant precipitation", or "considerable rainfall". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it more accurate to say "substantial rain" or "heavy rain"?

Both "substantial rain" and "heavy rain" are accurate, but "substantial rain" may imply a more prolonged event with significant consequences, whereas "heavy rain" primarily refers to the intensity of the rainfall.