are being depleted

USAGE SUMMARY

"are being depleted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate an ongoing or continuous action of depleting something. Example: The world's natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate due to overuse and pollution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Foreign reserves are being depleted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fish stocks are being depleted.

The New York Times

But supplies from the North Sea are being depleted fast.

The New York Times

Reserves at the Bank of Greece, estimated at €1.6bn last Friday, are being depleted fast.

The Guardian

Sturgeon stocks are being depleted, however, as a result of pollution of Caspian waters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conservationists say all populations of bluefin tuna are being depleted by overfishing.

The New York Times

"For individuals who have it and don't know it, their immune systems are being depleted as we speak.

The New York Times

Aquifers are being depleted; some rivers can't supply all the cities and farms that have relied on them.

The New York Times

Gasoline inventories are being depleted, and new requirements for cleaner-burning gasoline became effective on June 1.

The New York Times

That's because of the pressures of an ageing population and the fact that oil and gas reserves are being depleted.

The Guardian

There are small Yazidi minorities in other parts of the region but they are being depleted by emigration and absorption.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, use "are being depleted" to emphasize the ongoing nature of resource loss. This highlights the continuous action affecting the availability of resources.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of what "are being depleted" is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Resources are being depleted", specify "Natural resources are being depleted" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being depleted" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase. It indicates an ongoing process where the subject is experiencing a reduction or exhaustion of its quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being depleted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive progressive verb phrase indicating an ongoing reduction or exhaustion of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it conveys a neutral tone suitable for factual reporting. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount; always specify what is being depleted to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "are running out" or "are becoming exhausted" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are becoming exhausted

Focuses on the state of reaching the end of usability.

are being exhausted

Focuses on the state of being completely used up or tired.

are running out

Emphasizes the gradual decrease to a point of non-existence.

are being used up

Highlights the action of utilizing resources until they are no longer available.

are being consumed

Highlights the act of using something up completely.

are diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction in size or importance.

are dwindling

Suggests a continuous and rapid decrease.

are decreasing

Simply states a reduction in quantity or quality.

are fading away

Implies a gradual disappearance or loss.

are vanishing

Suggests a sudden or mysterious disappearance.

FAQs

What does "are being depleted" mean?

The phrase "are being depleted" means that something is gradually decreasing or being used up. It emphasizes a continuous process of reduction, often related to resources or supplies.

How can I use "are being depleted" in a sentence?

You can use "are being depleted" to describe a reduction in something. For example: "The world's forests are being depleted due to deforestation."

What can I say instead of "are being depleted"?

You can use alternatives like "are becoming exhausted", "are running out", or "are diminishing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is being depleted" instead of "are being depleted"?

No, "is being depleted" should be used with a singular subject, while "are being depleted" is used with a plural subject. For example: "The resource is being depleted" versus "The resources are being depleted".