under heavy rain

USAGE SUMMARY

"under heavy rain" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: "The kids went outside to play even though the sky was threatening and it was pouring down under heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

During the monitoring we met nurses and their assistants who –under heavy rain, in rubber galoshes put on bare feet's walked around all the houses in the isolated by mountains areas to ensure that the children received their vaccinations on time.

Unicef

The rally ended abruptly Saturday evening under heavy rain and thunder, and Imran Khan had to cut short his speech.

The New York Times

Mariam, 24, Afghanistan We had to walk for hours under heavy rain without knowing how far we still have to go.

The Guardian

Only two riders were able to follow her attack under heavy rain on the Wentwood climb - her Olympic team-mate Rachel Heal, who had to settle for silver again, and last year's bronze medallist Vicky Pincombe.

The Guardian - Sport

In a frantic finish under heavy rain at Spa, the lead changed hands in a flurry of activity as first Nico Rosberg, Mark Webber and Vettel all beat one another's times, only for Hamilton to go fastest for the fifth time this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Thousands gathered under heavy rain near the memorial's parade ground on Wednesday to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the end of the first world war, in which about 62,000 Australians were killed and a further 156,000 injured or taken prisoner.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Parts of the estate are already at high risk of flooding under heavy rains and storms, the analysis found.

The Guardian

As Queensland buckles under heavy rains brought by La Niña, on the other side of the world, in Argentina, the weather pattern is causing the opposite problem.

Independent

"She had me convinced my house could burn or fall down in the canyon under heavy rains and, yeah, it's covered".

The New York Times

So those who remain here, as most have, will be marking the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Wednesday not with ribbon cuttings and modest ceremonies as planned, but by hunkering down under heavy rains and winds.

The New York Times

Today, under heavy rains, about 1,500 veterans from the United States and allied nations, most of them in their 70's and some in wheelchairs, gathered here in this corner of the demilitarized zone where the armistice was signed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "under heavy rain", ensure it accurately conveys the intensity of the rainfall and its impact on the subject. Consider alternative phrases to add variety to your writing, such as "in torrential rain" or "during a downpour".

Common error

Avoid using "under heavy rain" in metaphorical contexts where the literal meaning of rain is not intended. For example, it is incorrect to say "the project was under heavy rain of criticism"; instead, use "under heavy criticism" or "subject to intense scrutiny".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under heavy rain" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the conditions or circumstances in which an action takes place. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under heavy rain" is a grammatically correct and readily understood prepositional phrase used to describe situations occurring during intense rainfall. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While not exceptionally frequent, it is commonly found in news reports, scientific articles, and general descriptions. Alternative phrases like "in torrential rain" or "during a downpour" can offer variety. When using "under heavy rain", ensure it accurately portrays the intensity of the rain and avoid using it in metaphorical contexts where the literal meaning is not intended. Its straightforward nature makes it suitable for both neutral and somewhat formal communication, though it can occasionally appear in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in torrential rain

Replaces 'heavy' with 'torrential', emphasizing the extreme nature of the rain.

during a downpour

Focuses on the event of a sudden and heavy rainfall.

amidst heavy rainfall

Uses 'amidst' to convey being surrounded by heavy rain, changing preposition.

in the midst of a storm

Broadens the scope to include other elements of a storm, not just rain.

experiencing heavy precipitation

Replaces 'rain' with the more general 'precipitation', encompassing other forms of water falling from the sky.

in severe rainy conditions

Emphasizes the severity of the conditions caused by the rain.

subject to intense rainfall

Highlights the experience of being affected by heavy rain.

caught in a heavy shower

Focuses on being unexpectedly exposed to heavy rain.

battling through heavy rain

Highlights the struggle against the difficult conditions caused by heavy rain.

confronted with a deluge

Uses a more dramatic term, 'deluge', to describe the heavy rain.

FAQs

What does "under heavy rain" mean?

The phrase "under heavy rain" describes a situation where someone or something is exposed to a significant amount of rainfall. It typically implies that the rain is intense and potentially causing discomfort or difficulty.

How can I use "under heavy rain" in a sentence?

You can use "under heavy rain" to describe activities or conditions during intense rainfall. For example: "The hikers struggled to reach their destination "under heavy rain"", or "The concert was canceled "due to heavy rain"".

What are some synonyms for "under heavy rain"?

Some synonyms for "under heavy rain" include "in torrential rain", "during a downpour", or "amidst heavy rainfall". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "in heavy rain" or "under heavy rain"?

Both "in heavy rain" and "under heavy rain" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Under heavy rain" often suggests a more direct exposure to the rainfall, while "in heavy rain" can refer more broadly to the overall conditions.