can be draining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be draining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exhausting or tiring, often in an emotional or mental context. Example: "Working long hours without breaks can be draining, leaving you feeling fatigued by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

General usage

Work-related stress

Emotional burden

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This can be draining.

The New York Times - Sports

Life with Rodriguez can be draining.

The New York Times - Sports

"It can be draining working with the elderly.

The New York Times - Magazine

The work itself can be draining and tedious.

The New York Times

"It can be hard, it can be draining.

The New York Times

It can be draining to work with a perfectionist.

Harvard Business Review

This process can be draining and painful yet still not hold the respondent accountable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Our workplaces can be draining, stressful, even toxic environments that seem resistant to change.

University of California, Berkeley

Being a super-recognizer can be draining: there is no off switch for this mysterious capability.

The New Yorker

While league play can be draining, professional experience has been critical in developing talent for the lesser-known soccer countries.

The New York Times - Sports

"The game can be draining, there is a lot of expectation, and they give me a break from the pressure".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or activity, specify what aspect of it is "draining". For example, is it emotionally, physically, or financially draining?

Common error

While "can be draining" is widely applicable, consider stronger or more descriptive alternatives in informal writing to add impact and avoid monotony. Options such as "exhausting" or "tiring" might be preferable depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be draining" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a quality or state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. It indicates that something has the potential to deplete one's energy or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be draining" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe activities or situations that deplete one's energy or resources, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, from news to academic writing, underscore its reliability. While "can be draining" is prevalent, consider stronger alternatives like "exhausting" or "tiring" for a more impactful expression. Remember to specify the type of depletion—emotional, physical, or financial—for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be exhausting

Implies a state of extreme tiredness and depletion of energy.

can be tiring

Suggests a reduction in energy levels, though perhaps less severe than "exhausting".

can be wearying

Highlights the gradual wearing down of someone's energy or patience.

can be depleting

Focuses on the reduction of resources, either physical or emotional.

can be taxing

Emphasizes the burden or strain placed on someone's resources.

can be enervating

Describes something that causes a loss of vitality and strength.

can take its toll

Indicates a negative impact or consequence, often accumulating over time.

can sap your energy

Implies a gradual reduction of energy, like a slow leak.

can leave you spent

Suggests being completely used up or exhausted after an activity.

can be a heavy load

Highlights the burden and difficulty of something.

FAQs

How can I use "can be draining" in a sentence?

You can use "can be draining" to describe activities or situations that deplete your physical, emotional, or mental energy. For instance, "Dealing with difficult customers all day can be draining".

What are some alternatives to saying "can be draining"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "can be exhausting", "can be tiring", or "can be depleting".

Is it correct to say "can be drained" instead of "can be draining"?

While "drained" describes the state of being emptied of energy, "draining" describes the process or action that causes that state. Therefore, "can be draining" is generally more appropriate when describing the cause of fatigue.

What makes something "can be draining"?

Activities or situations that require significant effort, focus, or emotional investment often "can be draining". This includes dealing with stress, handling complex tasks, or interacting with difficult people.