are drained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are drained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where something has been emptied of its contents, often referring to resources, energy, or fluids. Example: "After the long hike, my energy levels are drained, and I need to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are drained of everything but simple thoughts.

The New Yorker

The mountains are drained by tributaries of the Columbia River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

River waters grow polluted and aquifers are drained for 'development'development

The Guardian

"They are drained by fear, of watching over their shoulders.

Independent

When these peatlands are drained, the water table is lowered.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The purple mountains of the jagged Sinai are drained of their hue.

The New York Times

It is good for the people to try Islamist rule now, because they are drained".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are draining our jobs.

The Washington Post

They are draining our money.

The Washington Post

Yes, microaggressions are draining.

Huffington Post

The abscess is drained.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are drained" when referring to a gradual loss or depletion, not a sudden disappearance. For instance, "The lake is drained by the river," not "The lake suddenly vanished."

Common error

Avoid using "are drained" to describe a sudden or abrupt loss. The phrase implies a gradual process of depletion. Instead of saying "The company's funds are drained overnight," consider a phrase like "The company's funds were depleted overnight" or "vanished overnight".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are drained" primarily functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is experiencing the action of being depleted or emptied. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from physical resources like water to emotional states, aligning with its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are drained" is a versatile passive verb construction used to describe a state of depletion, whether physical, emotional, or resource-based. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "are drained", ensure it reflects a gradual depletion rather than a sudden loss, and consider specifying the cause for greater clarity. Alternatives like "are depleted" or "are exhausted" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are depleted

Indicates a reduction in quantity or resource, similar to being drained but emphasizes scarcity.

are exhausted

Focuses on the complete loss of energy or resources, suggesting a state of being used up entirely.

are emptied

Implies the complete removal of contents, focusing on the action of making something void.

are weakened

Highlights a reduction in strength or power, often as a result of something being taken away.

are sapped

Suggests that something has been gradually diminished, like vitality or energy.

are consumed

Implies that something has been used up, often by a destructive or all-encompassing process.

are extinguished

Focuses on the termination of something, such as hope or a flame, implying a complete end.

are devoid

Indicates a complete absence of something, like feeling or emotion.

are cleared

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles or contents, making way for something new.

are relieved of

Suggests the removal of a burden or responsibility, providing a sense of liberation.

FAQs

How can I use "are drained" in a sentence?

You can use "are drained" to describe a gradual depletion of resources, energy, or fluids. For example, "After the marathon, the athletes' energy levels "were drained"" or "The swamp's waters "are drained by the canal"".

What's the difference between "are drained" and "are exhausted"?

"Are drained" implies a gradual removal or depletion, often of a liquid or resource. "Are exhausted", on the other hand, refers to a state of being completely used up or extremely tired. While similar, "are exhausted" focuses more on the complete lack of energy or resources.

Which is correct: "are drained" or "have been drained"?

Both "are drained" and "have been drained" can be correct, depending on the context. "Are drained" suggests a current state resulting from a draining process. "Have been drained" indicates a completed action that has occurred at some point in the past. For example, "The swimming pool "is drained" every winter" versus "The swimming pool "has been drained" for cleaning".

What can I say instead of "are drained" when talking about emotional exhaustion?

When referring to emotional exhaustion, you can use alternatives like "are emotionally exhausted", "are burnt out", or "are emotionally depleted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.