violent rain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violent rain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rainstorm that is particularly intense or severe, often implying strong winds or heavy downpours. Example: "The forecast warned of violent rain, leading to flash flooding in several areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The entire metropolitan region was under a tornado watch last night as reports of high winds and violent rain and lightning poured in to the authorities from northern New Jersey to southern Connecticut.

The New York Times

Those impacts have been readily visible in Chicago where low levels in Lake Michigan and massive, violent rain storms have twice been complicit in the reversal (or re-reversal) of the Chicago River this year.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our fear is that the coming months will see ever more frequent and serious incidents". Culture minister Giancarlo Galan blamed "violent rains" and said only the outside layer of the stone wall had fallen, leaving the structure intact.

The Guardian

Here, to create a garden, she needed to build terraces, haul in soil, construct pergolas and paths, and develop irrigation; the results, imperilled by the region's sharp frosts, droughts, and violent rains, were what Lee calls a "dramatic and enchanting" garden, described, when the house was sold after her death, as "among the most celebrated in France".

The New Yorker

So? Hurricanes are more violent and rain storms stronger; droughts are more perverse and more regions normally bathed in decent rain are succumbing to intense forest fires.

Huffington Post

A nor'easter stretching from Maine to North Carolina pummeled the East Coast with violent winds, rain and flooding — with gusts approaching hurricane-force levels in some parts of the Atlantic over the weekend.

The Washington Post

A violent storm -- rain, lightning, thunder -- shakes the plane.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even amid the violent whirlpools of rain and bodies, that hat never leaves his head.

The New York Times

To minimize moisture problems, mount the cameras under an overhang that will keep them dry from all but the most violent wind-driven rain.

The Washington Post

Night sounds are heard: wind, barking dogs, a faraway train whistle, a water heater kicking on, a violent spate of rain, an insect bumping against the microphone, desultory vocalizations of the cat.

The New Yorker

A summer of endless rain, violent storms and plain, mean heat has left the Midwest doing what it is loath to do, especially in this season: whining about the weather.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "violent rain" to vividly describe storms or weather events where the intensity of the rain is a key factor. This phrase adds impact and emphasizes the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "violent rain" to describe light or moderate rainfall. The term implies a severe weather event and should be reserved for situations where the intensity of the rain is notably extreme.

Linguistic Context

"Violent rain" functions as a noun phrase, where "violent" modifies the noun "rain". This phrase vividly describes a type of weather event, emphasizing its intensity and potential for damage, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "violent rain" effectively describes a severe weather condition characterized by intense and forceful rainfall. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts to convey the intensity of storms. Alternatives like "torrential rain" or "heavy downpour" can be used for similar effect, but "violent rain" specifically emphasizes the destructive potential. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the weather event, avoiding overuse in mild contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrential rain

Emphasizes the heavy and intense nature of the rainfall.

heavy downpour

Focuses on the large amount of rain falling rapidly.

intense rainfall

Highlights the extreme degree of the rainfall's strength.

severe rainstorm

Indicates a rain event with potentially damaging effects.

extreme precipitation

A more scientific term denoting unusually high levels of rain.

fierce rain

Emphasizes the aggressive and forceful nature of the rain.

powerful rain

Stresses the strength and impact of the rainfall.

driving rain

Describes rain that is propelled by strong winds.

pelting rain

Focuses on the sensation of rain hitting hard against a surface.

forceful rain

Highlights the strength and intensity of the rainfall.

FAQs

What does "violent rain" mean?

"Violent rain" describes a rainstorm that is particularly intense or severe, often implying strong winds or heavy downpours. It suggests a forceful and potentially damaging weather event.

What can I say instead of "violent rain"?

You can use alternatives like "torrential rain", "heavy downpour", or "intense rainfall" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "violent rain" a common phrase?

Yes, "violent rain" is a common phrase used in news reports, weather forecasts, and general descriptions of severe weather. Ludwig AI analysis of a large number of examples shows frequent usage across different reliable sources.

How does "violent rain" differ from "heavy rain"?

"Heavy rain" simply describes a large quantity of rainfall. "Violent rain" implies not only a large quantity, but also a forceful and potentially destructive aspect, often associated with strong winds and thunderstorms.