sweeping rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy or widespread rainfall, often conveying a sense of intensity or vastness. Example: "As the storm approached, the sweeping rain drenched the entire city, leaving puddles in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Both clubs are looking up and they met on Saturday in buoyant mood and sweeping rain before 8,575, of whom 385 were away fans.

The Guardian - Sport

In sweeping rain and a howling wind, the Wolves could not have made a better start, Atkins's superb pass releasing Riley, whose kick ahead deflected into the hands of Waterhouse, who dived over.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

YANGON, MYANMAR -- In the shadows of the ancient Buddhist shrine at the Shwedagon Pagoda, they emerged out of the sweeping monsoon rains into the faded, colonial elegance of the Savoy Hotel.

Huffington Post

The Bank Holiday itself could see chillier conditions in the west with the possibility of rain sweeping in.

Independent

A drawn red curtain conceals her from the room, while the glass protects her from "ceaseless rain sweeping away wildly from a long and lamentable blast".

The Guardian - Books

But neither that nor the wind and rain sweeping the Olympic Park in east London was going to dim Kinsley's enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Sport

With rain sweeping the Caribbean island for a third day on Friday, more than 250 evacuees were staying in 11 emergency shelters, the authorities said.

The New York Times

In the wind and rain sweeping in from the North Sea yesterday, the lesson was even more challenging than usual, especially battling into elements on the back nine that Cink described as "virtually unplayable".

Independent

Also enriching the production are the costumes by David Toser, the lighting by Gregory Cohen and the sound by Murmod Inc., with its barking dogs, lowing cattle and rain sweeping across the countryside.

The New York Times

It's been a fairly wet summer for the UK so far, with plenty of convective thunderstorms in the south, interspersed with bands of frontal rain sweeping in from the west.

The Guardian

We were caught in speeding traffic, but because the sheets of rain sweeping down the windshield limited visibility to a blurry tinge of lights ahead and behind, we couldn't slow down or pull over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping rain" to evoke a sense of scale and movement in your descriptions of weather. It's particularly effective when describing weather events that cover a large area or have a significant impact.

Common error

While "sweeping rain" is evocative, avoid using it excessively in formal or technical writing where precise meteorological terms would be more appropriate. Opt for terms like "heavy rainfall" or "widespread precipitation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping rain" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun to provide more detail about the nature or intensity of the rain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping rain" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe widespread or intense rainfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of scale and movement, primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "torrential rain" or "driving rain" may be suitable depending on the specific context. When writing, it's best to use "sweeping rain" to add vivid description, but avoid overuse in formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

Refers to very heavy rain, emphasizing the intensity of the downpour.

driving rain

Describes rain that is blown forcefully by the wind.

pouring rain

Indicates a heavy, continuous rainfall.

heavy downpour

Highlights the intensity and suddenness of the rain.

intense rainfall

Emphasizes the high degree of precipitation.

monsoon rains

Specifically refers to seasonal heavy rains, often in tropical regions.

blinding rain

Rain that severely reduces visibility.

pelting rain

Describes rain that falls with considerable force, as if being thrown.

sheets of rain

Implies rain falling in continuous, broad streams.

wall of rain

Rain so heavy that it creates a visual barrier.

FAQs

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

"Sweeping rain" is used to describe rain that covers a wide area or seems to move across the landscape. For example, "The "sweeping rain" obscured the mountains in the distance".

What are some alternatives to "sweeping rain"?

You can use alternatives such as "torrential rain", "driving rain", or "pouring rain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sweeping rain" a formal or informal expression?

"Sweeping rain" is generally considered a descriptive and somewhat evocative phrase, suitable for creative writing or journalistic contexts rather than highly formal or scientific reports.

What makes "sweeping rain" different from just "rain"?

The word "sweeping" emphasizes the breadth and scope of the rainfall, suggesting it's not just a localized shower but a more extensive weather event. It implies the rain is moving across a large area.