be depleted of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be depleted of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is lacking or has been used up completely. Example: "The resources in the area have been depleted of their natural minerals due to extensive mining."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Coastal waters tend to be rich in trace metals -- from erosion and pollution, among other things -- while the open ocean tends to be depleted of such elements.

The New York Times - Science

Surfaces of PS/PS-b-PMMA blends containing high molecular weight copolymer were, on the contrary, found to be depleted of MMA groups.

Polymer

The improvements are primarily at higher rates of discharge, where the latter cell would be depleted of electrolyte due to large concentration gradients that develop.

Electrochimica Acta

The vaults of the major jazz labels may have been plundered in the years since CD fever took hold, but they have yet to be depleted of gems.

The New Yorker

A region on either side of the p-n junction will be depleted of charge carriers, thus becoming effectively an insulator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By Steve Futterman The vaults of the major jazz labels may have been plundered in the years since CD fever took hold, but they have yet to be depleted of gems.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Serum obtained from the Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, was depleted of C1q (99% depletion) as previously described [36].

Plosone

The remaining 12 µL were depleted of rRNA (NEBNext rRNA Depletion Kit) and used for library preparation (NEBNext Ultra RNA Library Prep Kit).

Nature

The type described previously is a depletion-mode FET, since a region is depleted of its natural charge.

Britannica

She was depleted of strength and confused.

The New York Times

Brain parenchyma was depleted of capillaries and isolated following previously published protocols63,64.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be depleted of", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what is being depleted and what it is being depleted of: "The soil was depleted of nutrients."

Common error

Avoid using "be depleted of" when a reduction, rather than complete exhaustion, is meant. Use alternative phrasings such as "reduced in" or "lacking in" when the substance or resource is not entirely gone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be depleted of" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has undergone a process of reduction or exhaustion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. This function is evident in examples like "Coastal waters tend to be rich in trace metals...while the open ocean tends to be depleted of such elements."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be depleted of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a state of deficiency or complete lack. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, maintaining a formal and analytical tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being depleted and what it is depleted of, and be mindful of whether complete depletion is truly intended. Alternatives like "be devoid of" or "be lacking in" may be more appropriate if the reduction is not absolute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence of something, stronger than simply being reduced.

be lacking in

Focuses on the absence as a deficiency or need.

be deficient in

Implies a measurable shortage, often in a technical or scientific context.

be exhausted of

Highlights the complete consumption or using up of something.

be drained of

Suggests a gradual removal or loss of something, often energy or resources.

be stripped of

Indicates a forceful or deliberate removal of something.

be emptied of

Focuses on the act of making something completely empty.

be short of

Indicates an insufficient amount or supply of something.

be without

A simple and direct way to express the absence of something.

be wanting in

Emphasizes a lack as a shortcoming or imperfection.

FAQs

How can I use "be depleted of" in a sentence?

Use "be depleted of" to indicate that something has had a significant or complete reduction in a particular resource or element. For instance: "The region's natural resources have "been depleted of" their reserves."

What are some alternatives to using "be depleted of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be devoid of", "be lacking in", or "be deficient in", each carrying slightly different connotations of absence or reduction.

Is it correct to say "be depleted from" instead of "be depleted of"?

While "depleted from" might occasionally appear, "be depleted of" is the standard and more widely accepted construction. "Depleted from" may imply a different relationship, such as the source from which something was taken.

What does it mean when something is described as "depleted of" a particular substance?

It means that the substance in question has been significantly reduced or completely exhausted. It suggests a loss or absence, impacting the overall composition or function of the subject.