trace of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or faint indication that it has rained recently, often referring to remnants like wet ground or droplets. Example: "After the storm passed, there was only a trace of rain left on the pavement, glistening in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Evening rain showers could make Thursday a 16th consecutive day with at least a trace of rain, and sunshine isn't expected to return until the weekend.

Los Angeles Times

In the city of Praia, Cape Verde, only a trace of rain, less than 0.1 inches fell on September 7 and sustained winds reached 25 mph (35 km/h).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Further, there have been traces of rain four days this month, which for Los Angeles is something akin to a frost in Miami in September.

The New York Times

b Trace of muddy rain at Kooku, Kiso-town, Nagano Prefecture (approximately 11 km east of the 2014 craters).

Earth, Planets and Space

His magnificent head is topped with white hair, and he does a straightforward God the Father performance, with perhaps a trace of Claude Rains in his intonations.

The New Yorker

The problem can be traced to shortages of rain and snowpack, which lead to shallower rivers and reservoirs, which result in less pressure to speed the water along.

The Guardian

The windscreen wipers shuffle back and forth, and you find yourself tracing the refracted light as street lamps pass through specks of rain on the window.

Vice

The last traces of Tropical Storm Allison swept through New England, dropping up to seven inches of rain, flooding roads and knocking out electricity on Sunday.

The New York Times

The smell of rain.

The New Yorker

Slight chance of rain.

The New York Times

Points of rain appeared….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trace of rain", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a very small amount or remaining sign of rainfall. Avoid using it when describing heavy or prolonged rainfall.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "trace of rain" when you actually mean a significant amount of rain. This phrase describes a minimal or barely noticeable amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a minimal amount of rainfall or the remaining signs of a recent rain event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trace of rain" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a very small amount of rainfall or the remaining signs thereof. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a usable phrase in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and serves to communicate the minimal nature of the precipitation. While not extremely frequent, its usage is consistent and appropriate. Alternative phrases such as "hint of rain" or "light rainfall" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of rain

Replaces "trace" with "hint", suggesting a slightly stronger indication.

smattering of rain

Substitutes "trace" with "smattering", indicating a sparse or scattered amount.

light rainfall

Focuses on the type of rain, specifying it's light.

slight drizzle

Highlights a very light and fine rain.

minimal precipitation

Uses a more formal and scientific term for a small amount of rain.

vestige of rain

Replaces "trace" with "vestige", implying a remnant or remaining sign of rain.

suggestion of rain

Similar to "hint", implying a subtle indication of rain.

sprinkling of rain

Indicates a very light and brief rain.

residual moisture

Focuses on the remaining wetness after rain.

evidence of rain

Shifts the focus to the proof or indication that rain occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "trace of rain" in a sentence?

You can use "trace of rain" to describe a very small amount of rainfall or the remaining signs of rain after it has stopped. For example, "After the brief shower, only a "trace of rain" remained on the leaves."

What's the difference between "trace of rain" and "heavy rain"?

"Trace of rain" refers to a very small amount or slight indication of rain. In contrast, "heavy rain" describes a significant and substantial amount of rainfall.

What can I say instead of "trace of rain"?

You can use alternatives such as "hint of rain", "light rainfall", or "slight drizzle" depending on the context.

Is "trace of rain" formal or informal?

"Trace of rain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a fairly common and neutral expression.