a drain on resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drain on resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that consumes or depletes resources, such as time, money, or manpower, often in a negative context. Example: "The outdated software system has become a drain on resources, hindering productivity and increasing costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We haven't been a drain on resources," Mr. Muir of G.M.A.C. said.

The New York Times

The idea that they are a drain on resources is farcical.

The Guardian

One sees ageing as an inexorable process of decline, and old people as purely a burden, a drain on resources.

The Guardian

Then there is the disabled person as a drain on resources – as a useless or even devious benefit-scrounger.

The Guardian

As the scandal spreads to many companies, an escalating turf war could become a drain on resources, with regulators unleashing competitive lawsuits.

The New York Times

But it would be a shame if we slipped into the mindset of seeing a growing population as essentially a drain on resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I am just a drain on their resources".

The Guardian

Investigations into historical cases were also a drain on dwindling resources, he said.

The Guardian

Loss of productivity is a drain on financial resources and must be checked.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Turnaround is a drain on company resources and often diverts personnel from other important work.

Turnaround, Shutdown and Outage Management Effective Planning and Step-by-Step Execution of Planned Maintenance Operations

I paid a gap-year company £2,600 for the trip, so I certainly wasn't a drain on local resources.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a drain on resources", be specific about the type of resources being depleted (e.g., financial, human, or time) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a drain on resources" without specifying what resources are being affected. Vague statements weaken the impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drain on resources" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes something that consumes or depletes available assets, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a drain on resources" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that depletes or consumes resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts, predominantly in news, business, and academic settings. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify which resources are being affected. While alternatives like "a burden on finances" or "a strain on resources" exist, "a drain on resources" effectively conveys the gradual depletion of assets across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a drain on funding

Substitutes "resources" with "funding", highlighting the depletion of financial support.

a drain on revenue

Emphasizes the reduction of income or earnings.

a burden on finances

Replaces "resources" with "finances", focusing specifically on financial impact.

a drain on capital

Replaces "resources" with "capital", specifically referring to financial assets.

a depletion of funds

Focuses on financial resources by using the word "funds" instead of the general term "resources".

a depletion of assets

Uses a more formal term "depletion" to emphasize the reduction of valuable assets.

a strain on finances

Uses "strain" instead of "drain", implying pressure or stress on financial resources.

a waste of resources

Uses a more direct term "waste" to express inefficient use of resources.

a drain on manpower

Focuses on the consumption of human labor as the primary resource.

a drain on time

Highlights the consumption of time, indicating inefficiency or delays.

FAQs

How can I use "a drain on resources" in a sentence?

Use "a drain on resources" to describe something that depletes or consumes resources, for example, "The new project became "a drain on resources" due to unexpected delays".

What are some alternatives to saying "a drain on resources"?

You can use alternatives such as "a burden on finances", "a strain on resources", or "a depletion of assets" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a drain on resources" or "a burden on resources"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a drain on resources" implies a gradual depletion, while "a burden on resources" suggests a heavy weight or responsibility. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

In what contexts is "a drain on resources" most commonly used?

"A drain on resources" is frequently used in business, news, and academic contexts to describe situations where resources are being depleted, such as budget overruns, inefficient processes, or costly projects.