sudden downpour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden downpour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and heavy rainfall that occurs suddenly. Example: "We were enjoying a picnic in the park when a sudden downpour forced us to seek shelter under a nearby tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Midway through Ratatat's set, there was a sudden downpour.

The New Yorker

And just after lunchtime there was a sudden downpour.

The Guardian

Then, like a sudden downpour, the music subsided, and the section ended softly.

The New Yorker

It's 4pm, and the town of Limanowa is being battered by a sudden downpour.

The Guardian

Bannon arrived late, and damp, walking in from a sudden downpour to roaring approval.

The New Yorker

The torpid sky tore open, as it had been threatening to do all day, drenching us in a sudden downpour.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here is just a partial list: Umbrellas, for those sudden downpours, and there are no street vendors in sight.

The New York Times

Sudden downpours had us reaching for our windbreakers as the thermometer dropped 20 degrees or more within minutes.

The New York Times - Travel

Then, in 2011, sudden downpours caused heavy flooding that destroyed houses and schools – something people there had never seen before.

The Guardian

This would enable vehicles to communicate wirelessly with each other to share information on the flow of traffic and any unexpected incidents like crashes or sudden downpours.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a huge towering dark cloud, shaped at the top like a blacksmith's anvil, and responsible for sudden downpours.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden downpour" to vividly describe unexpected and heavy rainfall in narrative or descriptive writing. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the disruptive or surprising nature of the event.

Common error

While "sudden downpour" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "heavy precipitation" or "intense rainfall" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden downpour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its common usage in describing unexpected weather events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden downpour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe an unexpected burst of heavy rain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase serves to vividly depict events, often highlighting disruptions or inconveniences. While its register leans towards neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Alternatives include "torrential rain" and "cloudburst", offering similar but nuanced descriptions. Be mindful of overuse in formal contexts and consider the specific context to ensure the most appropriate and impactful phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

Focuses on the intensity and volume of the rain.

cloudburst

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the rainfall.

flash flood

Highlights the rapid and forceful accumulation of water, potentially implying dangerous conditions.

heavy shower

Describes a brief but intense period of rain.

brief deluge

Highlights the short duration and overwhelming nature of the rain.

unexpected rainfall

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the precipitation.

severe rainstorm

Indicates a significant and potentially damaging rainfall event.

abrupt storm

Focuses on the sudden onset and stormy nature of the weather event.

violent shower

Emphasizes the force and intensity of the rainfall.

intense precipitation

A more formal and scientific way to describe heavy rainfall.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden downpour" to describe an unexpected burst of heavy rain, such as, "The picnic was ruined by a "sudden downpour" that sent everyone running for cover."

What's a more formal alternative to "sudden downpour"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "heavy precipitation" or "intense rainfall" instead of ""sudden downpour"".

What is the difference between ""sudden downpour"" and "flash flood"?

"Sudden downpour" refers to the heavy rainfall event itself, while "flash flood" describes the dangerous flooding that can result from such intense rain.

What are some words to describe the intensity of a ""sudden downpour""?

You can use adjectives like "torrential", "intense", or "severe" to further describe the intensity of a ""sudden downpour"".