drain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drain" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to the act of removing liquid from something or when discussing the depletion of resources or energy. Example: "After the heavy rain, we had to drain the water from the flooded basement."

✓ Grammatically correct

The term "drain" is versatile and appears across various contexts, including cooking, environmental discussions, and abstract concepts like energy depletion.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drain and leave to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

In Iowa, rescue crews were searching for 17-year-old Logan Blake, who was swept away in a Cedar Rapids storm drain Monday night.

The Guardian

Nilsen was caught after plumbers found a blocked drain choked with human flesh.

The Guardian

She wanted a narrow focus on individuals posing a security threat, where Gove wanted to take on ideas, or as he floridly put it, "to drain the swamp" before "the crocodiles reach the boat".

The Guardian

A 2011 survey found the population had shrunk by more than 13% in little over a decade, leading to fears of a brain drain.

The Guardian

That seems to be the real warning to parents here, that an interest in current affairs will drain your child of joy and lead them blindly into a life of conservativism.

The Guardian

All the recipes are careful to remind you to rinse the noodles, to stop them cooking any further, and then to drain them thoroughly before use, or you'll end up with soggy summer rolls, which would be a sad thing indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The creators of a sexually suggestive television ad for drain cleaner may have just gotten an unlikely publicity boost from a conservative action group.

The Guardian

Brain drain can be a terrible condition that, once it sets in, can be impossible to halt.

The Guardian

Makes 4 220g uncooked short-grain Japanese rice 270ml water 10g katsuobushi (fish flakes) Soy sauce 4 medium umeboshi (pickled plums), stone removed 1 sheet of nori seaweed, cut into 4 strips Sea salt 1 Wash the rice in cold water and drain, repeating until the water is clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the depletion of abstract resources like energy or motivation, using "drain" can effectively convey a sense of exhaustion or depletion. For example, "The constant meetings really drain my energy."

Common error

Avoid using "drain" in situations where more precise language would be more appropriate. Overusing it in melodramatic situations dilutes its impact; consider more nuanced verbs like "deplete", "exhaust", or "diminish" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drain" is as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of something emptying or being emptied. As a noun, it refers to a conduit for liquid or something that depletes resources. As Ludwig AI explains, the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "drain" functions both as a noun and a verb to describe the emptying of liquids or the depletion of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, which range from everyday scenarios to more abstract concepts. With a neutral register, "drain" is broadly applicable, as demonstrated by its frequent appearance in news and lifestyle publications. While it's a versatile term, writers should avoid overusing it in overly dramatic contexts where more precise language may be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deplete

Highlights the reduction or exhaustion of resources.

exhaust

Focuses on the complete consumption or use of something.

empty out

Focuses on the action of making something empty.

draw off

Emphasizes the gradual removal of liquid or resources.

bleed out

Implies a gradual loss, often of fluids or resources.

siphon off

Suggests removing something surreptitiously or gradually.

clear out

Suggests a thorough emptying or removal.

tap into

Implies accessing and using a resource, often leading to its depletion.

leech

Highlights the parasitic removal of something, typically resources.

remove

General term for taking something away.

FAQs

How can I use "drain" in a sentence?

You can use "drain" to describe the process of liquid flowing out (e.g., "The sink wouldn't drain") or to describe the depletion of resources (e.g., "The project drained our budget").

What are some synonyms for "drain"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "empty out", "deplete", or "exhaust" as alternatives to "drain".

Is it correct to say something is "draining me"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "draining me" is often used to describe something that is depleting your energy or resources, like in the sentence "This job is draining me".

What is the difference between "drain" and "deplete"?

"Drain" often refers to the gradual removal of something, especially liquids, whereas "deplete" typically refers to a more significant reduction in resources. While they can be similar, ""deplete"" usually implies a more substantial loss.