being depleted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being depleted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of reduction or exhaustion of resources, energy, or supplies. Example: "The forest is at risk of being depleted due to excessive logging and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Foreign reserves are being depleted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fish stocks are being depleted.

The New York Times

Virtually all global groundwater aquifers are being depleted.

Yale University

But supplies from the North Sea are being depleted fast.

The New York Times

Onshore oil reserves around the world are gradually being depleted.

The New York Times

Thirteen were classified as being depleted while having little or no natural replenishment.

Princeton University

Environmentalists joined the campaign, fearing that the species was being depleted.

The New York Times

As lakes disappear, rivers are either being depleted or severely polluted.

The Guardian

Exxon Mobil discovered in early 2001 that far from being depleted, Cepu was a gusher.

The New York Times

Because of the medical bills, he said, "My bank account is being depleted".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being depleted", specify what is being depleted to provide context. For example, "The earth's natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate" provides a clearer picture than just saying, "Things are being depleted."

Common error

While "being depleted" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. Active voice often makes sentences more direct and engaging. Instead of "The resources are being depleted", consider "We are depleting the resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being depleted" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe a situation where a resource or asset is undergoing a process of reduction or exhaustion by some external force or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being depleted" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the process of something decreasing or becoming exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts when discussing resources, funds, or energy. While versatile, it's best used with specific context about what's diminishing and, like all passive constructions, should be balanced with active voice for engaging writing. Alternatives include phrases like "being exhausted" or "being drained", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being exhausted

Indicates a state of complete consumption or using up, emphasizing a total lack of remaining resources.

being drained

Implies a gradual removal of resources or energy, often suggesting a weakening effect.

being consumed

Suggests a process of using something up, often implying destruction or transformation.

being diminished

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance, focusing on a decrease in value.

being reduced

Implies a decrease in quantity or size, often as a result of an action or process.

being lessened

Suggests a weakening or reduction in intensity or degree.

being used up

Emphasizes the completion of consumption, leaving nothing remaining.

being spent

Implies the act of using resources, especially money or energy, for a specific purpose.

being gobbled up

Suggests rapid and complete consumption, often implying a ravenous appetite.

being eroded

Implies gradual destruction or wearing away, often by natural forces.

FAQs

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

You can use "being depleted" to describe resources or abstract qualities that are decreasing or running out. For instance, "The world's fish stocks are being depleted by overfishing" or "Her energy was being depleted by stress".

What are some alternatives to "being depleted"?

You can use alternatives like "being exhausted", "being drained", or "being consumed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is depleted" or "being depleted"?

"Is depleted" describes a state of being, while "being depleted" describes an ongoing process. For example, "The lake is depleted" means it's already low, whereas "The lake is being depleted" means it's in the process of decreasing.

What's the difference between "being depleted" and "being exhausted"?

While both indicate a reduction, "being depleted" often refers to resources or supplies that are gradually diminishing, whereas "being exhausted" often refers to energy or a complete lack of remaining resources. "Our savings are being depleted" vs. "I am being exhausted".