drain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drain from" can be used in written English in a few different ways. Here are three examples: 1. "The water will drain from the bathtub once you remove the stopper." In this sentence, "drain from" is being used to show that the water will leave the bathtub and go down the drain. 2. "The company's profits continue to drain from quarter to quarter." In this sentence, "drain from" is being used to show that the company's profits are decreasing or being drained away over time. 3. "The joy and happiness that drained from her face when she heard the news was heartbreaking." In this sentence, "drain from" is being used to show that the emotions of joy and happiness left her face after she heard the news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In addition, a drain from his skull wound was removed.

The New York Times

I could see the colour drain from Boyle's face.

The Guardian - Film

This would let the water drain from the lake gradually.

Independent

Democrats cannot ignore the fiscal drain from Medicare.

The New York Times

"You could see the hope drain from him".

The Guardian

Its western tributaries drain from the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands; the eastern tributaries, of which the Bečva is the most significant, drain from the westernmost ranges of the Carpathians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Drain from the vinegar and scatter the onion slices over the orange slices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I don't know if he noticed the blood drain from my face.

The Guardian

When the peas and broad beans are completely cool, drain from the iced water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cold air also may drain from higher elevations to create "frost pockets" in low-lying valleys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was stronger than she, but a man's strength can drain from him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual loss of something, like energy or resources, "drain from" is particularly effective. For instance, "The color drained from his face" vividly conveys a sudden loss of vitality.

Common error

While versatile, "drain from" can sound less formal than alternatives like "withdraw from" or "recede from" in academic or business writing. Choose your words carefully to match the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drain from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the direction or source of the draining action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts to indicate the origin or path of something being emptied or removed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

26%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drain from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the movement or loss of something from a specific source. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its frequent application across diverse contexts, ranging from physical phenomena like water draining to abstract concepts such as energy or hope dissipating. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific context and choose synonyms if a more formal register is required. Pay attention to other alternatives like "flow out of" or "discharge from" to make sure that the meaning is conveyed accurately. With a very common frequency, "drain from" is a standard and readily understandable expression in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow out of

Focuses on the outward movement of a liquid or substance, similar to "drain from" but emphasizes the flowing aspect.

empty out of

Highlights the act of becoming empty, sharing the concept of removal with "drain from".

seep from

Suggests a slow and gradual escape, akin to a slow "drain from".

discharge from

Implies a more forceful or controlled release compared to "drain from".

leach from

Describes the extraction of a substance by percolation, similar to a gradual "drain from".

emanate from

Indicates the origin or source of something, like a feeling or energy "drain from" someone.

withdraw from

Implies a deliberate removal or recession, similar to "drain from" in contexts of energy or resources.

recede from

Focuses on the receding or diminishing quality, related to something "drain from" a location.

ebb from

Suggests a gradual decline or fading away, sharing a sense of loss with "drain from".

issue from

Implies something emerging or originating from a place, comparable to fluids or concepts "drain from" a source.

FAQs

How can I use "drain from" in a sentence?

You can use "drain from" to describe the gradual removal or loss of something. For example, "Water will "drain from" the sink" or "Energy seemed to "drain from" the team after their loss".

What are some alternatives to "drain from"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "flow out of", "empty out of", or "seep from". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "drained from" instead of "drain from"?

Yes, "drained from" is the past tense form of the verb. You would use "drained from" to describe something that has already happened. For example, "The pool "drained from" the heavy rain".

What is the difference between "drain from" and "bleed from"?

"Drain from" generally implies a gradual or steady removal, while "bleed from" suggests a more sudden or violent loss, often involving a liquid like blood. You might say "The color "drained from" his face" to mean he looked pale, but "Blood "bled from" the wound" to describe an injury.