veil of rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veil of rain" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a poetic or descriptive way to describe a heavy or dense amount of rain. Example: The ancient ruins were hidden by a veil of rain as the storm rolled in, obscuring the once magnificent structures from view.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Astoria was lost behind a veil of rain.

The New York Times - Magazine

After days of hiding behind a veil of rain, the Lagoa was finally showing off its best side when Britain's men started out of the traps.

The Guardian - Sport

A veil of rain slipped past Arthur Ashe Stadium last night, and as if a curtain had been drawn back, out stepped Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport in costume and character.

The New York Times - Sports

Ahead, the station's traffic signals could already be seen — their green, yellow, and red lights, partly covered by visors, were dim, but when he turned a certain way they sparkled like rippling columns seen through a veil of rain or tears.

The New Yorker

Ahead, the station's traffic signals could already be seen their green, yellow, and red lights, partly covered by visors, were dim, but when he turned a certain way they sparkled like rippling columns seen through a veil of rain or tears.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Challenges were as fierce as the wind that drove veils of rain downfield towards Cleeve Hill and often curled clearances back towards where they came from.

The Guardian - Sport

As the ship made its way up Belfast Lough the Black Mountain was to be seen, as often as not through shifting veils of rain, brooding over the city.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The earlier atmospheric water colours of land, sea and sky, of mountains and hills obscured by veils of rain or mist, or sunshine glittering on water, arguably reached their culmination with a show, in 1966, containing larger oil paintings.

The Guardian

Against a roof, it is deafening, and even outdoors its roar so drowns all other hearing that, for many witnesses, whole scenes of the genocide played out like a silent movie: people killing and dying in a gloom, seen through bright veils of rain.

The New Yorker

Beyond the kitchen windows, veils of gray rain drove sideways into the sodden skirts of the horse-chestnut tree, darkening the pink flowers.

The New Yorker

Sitting in the boat with a group of friendly people, I could still see the island, shrouded in a veil of thin gray rain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "veil of rain" to add a touch of poetic imagery to your writing, particularly when describing a scene where visibility is reduced due to rainfall.

Common error

Avoid using "veil of rain" in technical or scientific writing where a more precise description of rainfall intensity would be appropriate. Opt for terms like "heavy rainfall" or "moderate precipitation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veil of rain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element within a sentence. It vividly portrays a specific type of rainfall, where the rain acts as a screen or partial covering, similar to how a veil functions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veil of rain" is a grammatically correct and evocative noun phrase used to describe rain that partially obscures vision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid expression, though relatively rare in occurrence, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. Its usage adds a layer of descriptive imagery to writing, conveying a sense of mystery or softened visibility. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "curtain of rain" or "sheet of rain" to fit the specific nuance you intend to convey. Avoid using it in technical contexts where precise meteorological descriptions are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curtain of rain

Focuses on the visual barrier created by heavy rain, like a stage curtain.

sheet of rain

Emphasizes the flat, expansive nature of the rainfall.

haze of rain

Highlights the blurring and indistinct effect of the rain on visibility.

shroud of rain

Suggests the rain is enveloping and concealing something, creating an atmosphere of mystery or melancholy.

blanket of rain

Conveys the idea of a widespread and uniform covering of rain.

cover of rain

Implies the rain is acting as a shield or protection.

light rain

Highlights a soft and gentle precipitation.

drizzle

Refers to a very fine, misty rain.

rain shower

Describes a brief and localized period of rainfall.

sprinkling

Indicates a very light and scattered rain.

FAQs

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

You can use "veil of rain" to describe a scene where rain partially obscures the view, like "The mountains disappeared behind a "veil of rain"."

What are some alternatives to "veil of rain"?

Alternatives include "curtain of rain", "sheet of rain", or "haze of rain" depending on the specific imagery you want to evoke.

Is "veil of rain" a literal or figurative expression?

"Veil of rain" is a figurative expression. It uses the image of a veil to describe how rain can obscure or partially hide something from view.

What is the connotation of "veil of rain"?

"Veil of rain" often carries a connotation of mystery, melancholy, or romanticism, suggesting a scene partially hidden or softened by the rain.