sudden rainfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden rainfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or abrupt occurrence of rain. Example: "The picnic was cut short due to a sudden rainfall that soaked everyone in minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Brazier proffers a graph showing that the dams have contained sudden rainfall, slowly releasing it along a "staircase" of dams: in this way they prevent the inundation that occurs when water is simply channelled downstream, while also providing a resource in times of drought.

The Guardian

We tested sandhopper Talitrus saltator orientation in April, when sudden rainfall and storms are common, and in June, when as a rule the weather is warm and dry.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Specific problems are the distinction of rain from snow [1], the monitoring of basins subject to floods or of areas prone to landslides [2], and the forecast of sudden rainfall over strategic regions, like as airports [3].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Considering, in the twentieth century, the area of inland river systems in the form of reservoirs increased by approximately 700% [18], the lateral transport of C from terrestrial systems to inland aquatic environments represents a significant C flux that may be altered by future climate change through increased sudden rainfall events and longer periods of summer drought [19].

Carbon Balance and Management

The outpouring of compassion and community since the sudden rainfall that drowned most neighborhoods demonstrates what it means to be a great city.

Huffington Post

Bella Meyer of New York City's FleursBella, finds that these same contrasting autumnal colors guide her designs, in addition to "the falling leaves, the crystal clear light following a sudden rainfall, the dark clouds offsetting the bright white sunshine, deep brown and black accents contrasting with soft gold fields".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Since this region does not have the natural storehouses of numerous lakes and glacial deposits of sand and gravel spread over hills and valleys, such as are found in the northern Appalachian region, sudden rainfalls bring rapid rises in the southern Appalachian stream flows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hundreds pleaded for help and shelter from the sudden torrential rainfall.

Independent

Flash This surface-water flooding is usually worst when drainage systems in urban areas are overwhelmed by sudden heavy rainfall, exacerbated by the concreting over of large areas of soil and gardens.

The Guardian

The situations included a rat in a flat, a sudden, heavy rainfall in Queensland, a child's first phone call to his father, a surprise birthday party on Hampstead Heath and a finger trapped in a car door.

The Guardian - Books

Sudden heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in low-lying rice growing areas.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "sudden rainfall", use vivid verbs to convey its intensity, such as "pelted", "drenched", or "flooded".

Common error

Avoid using "sudden rainfall" when you actually mean prolonged or continuous rain. "Sudden" implies a rapid onset and short duration, so ensure your description aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden rainfall" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes an unexpected occurrence of rain. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing disrupted events or environmental impacts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden rainfall" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unexpected onset of rain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most common in news, scientific, and formal settings. When using the phrase, consider vivid verbs to amplify its impact and avoid conflating it with prolonged rainfall. Alternatives include "abrupt downpour" or "unforeseen deluge" for emphasis. Be clear and precise in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abrupt downpour

Emphasizes the unexpected and intense nature of the rainfall.

unforeseen deluge

Highlights the unexpected and overwhelming quality of the rain.

unexpected shower

Focuses on the surprise element and lighter intensity of the rain.

flash rain

Highlights the sudden and short-lived nature of the rainfall.

heavy burst of rain

Emphasizes the intensity and brief duration of the rainfall.

torrential outburst

Highlights the forceful and intense nature of the rain.

snap rain

Implies a quick and unexpected arrival of rain.

instant rainfall

Emphasizes the immediacy and abruptness of the rainfall.

unheralded rain

Focuses on the lack of warning or anticipation before the rain.

quick rainfall

Highlights the short duration of the rainfall event.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden rainfall" to describe an unexpected rain event, such as "The picnic was disrupted by a "sudden rainfall"" or "The crops suffered due to "sudden rainfall" and subsequent flooding".

What's a more impactful synonym for "sudden rainfall"?

Depending on the context, you could use "abrupt downpour" or "unforeseen deluge" to emphasize the unexpected and intense nature of the rain.

Is it appropriate to use "sudden rainfall" in formal writing?

Yes, "sudden rainfall" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe an unexpected rain event. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might be more suitable.

What causes "sudden rainfall"?

While the term "sudden rainfall" describes the event itself, the causes can be varied, including rapidly developing storm systems, localized convective activity, or changes in atmospheric conditions. The rainfall can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas.