torrential downpour

USAGE SUMMARY

'torrential downpour' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy rainstorm. For example: "The sky darkened and a torrential downpour began to flood the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Public transportation in torrential downpour?

The New Yorker

In 2014, a torrential downpour occurred within minutes of planting at Orleans Co.

Cornell University

Torrential downpour, tornado sirens blaring, and this guy casually delivering the mail.

The New York Times

She went outside to discover that a torrential downpour left no cabs in sight.

The New York Times

That capped a comeback that began after the torrential downpour of the first half stopped.

The New York Times - Sports

June 1: The annual party ofthe New York BotanicalGarden, coincidingwith a torrential downpour,raised $1.8 million.

The New York Times

Driving alone through a torrential downpour to sign the title for our house, I lost it.

The New York Times

In late morning, we drove down to Princeton in a torrential downpour.

The New York Times

Their shift had started at 2 a.m. under a torrential downpour.

The New York Times

It's too hot, or there's a torrential downpour or a chill wind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet that's what happened after a torrential downpour ruined well-laid presidential plans.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "torrential downpour" to vividly describe situations involving very heavy rainfall, especially when emphasizing the disruptive or dramatic effect of the rain.

Common error

Avoid using "torrential downpour" to describe light or moderate rain. This phrase is reserved for truly heavy and intense rainfall events. Consider alternatives like "shower" or "drizzle" for milder conditions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "torrential downpour" is to act as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in describing weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "torrential downpour" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe exceptionally heavy rainfall. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent appearance in News & Media and academic contexts. While it serves to vividly portray intense weather conditions, it's best reserved for truly severe rain events. Alternatives such as ""heavy rainstorm"" or ""intense rainfall"" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy rainstorm

Focuses on the storm aspect of the heavy rain, omitting the sense of pouring.

severe rain

Emphasizes the intensity of the rain, while being more general.

intense rainfall

Highlights the force and volume of the rain.

heavy precipitation

A more formal and scientific term for substantial rainfall.

deluge

A noun referring to a severe flood or heavy downpour.

downpour

A simpler and more general term for a period of heavy rain.

cloudburst

Refers to a sudden and very heavy fall of rain.

heavy shower

Describes a brief period of heavy rain.

violent rain

Highlights the intensity and force of the rainfall.

pouring rain

Focuses on the action of the rain falling heavily.

FAQs

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

You can use "torrential downpour" to describe a heavy rain event, for example: "The concert was cancelled due to the "torrential downpour"." or "Driving became treacherous in the "torrential downpour"."

What words can I use instead of "torrential downpour"?

Alternatives to "torrential downpour" include "heavy rainstorm", "severe rain", or "intense rainfall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "torrential rainfall" instead of "torrential downpour"?

Yes, "torrential rainfall" is a correct alternative. It emphasizes the amount of rain, whereas ""torrential downpour"" focuses on the act of rain pouring down heavily.

What is the difference between "downpour" and "torrential downpour"?

"Downpour" simply means a heavy fall of rain, while ""torrential downpour"" implies an exceptionally heavy and intense downpour. The addition of "torrential" intensifies the description.