drain resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drain resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the depletion or exhaustion of resources, whether they are financial, human, or environmental. Example: "The ongoing project is expected to drain resources significantly, impacting our budget and manpower."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Its need for experienced Pashto- and Dari-speaking broadcasters could drain resources from the V.O.A.

The New York Times

Mr. Levine argues that such arrests drain resources needed for dealing with serious threats.

The New York Times

They also drain resources from programs that could actually help single mothers and children.

The New York Times

Throughout his presidency, Mr. Clinton has said that vouchers unfairly drain resources from struggling public schools.

The New York Times

Diffuse, halfhearted efforts make matters worse and drain resources from higher priorities.

The New York Times

Many astronomers feared that its enormous cost would drain resources from ground-based astronomy and may not work anyway.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is draining resources from the company".

The New York Times

WHAT has caused instability and drained resources in the area?

The New York Times

And Howard Wolfson, Mrs. Clinton's spokesman, also said his candidate was not draining resources from Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

She added that the expense of death-penalty appeals drains resources from other prosecutions.

The New Yorker

"They were draining resources, and everyone knew it, yet neither the C.E.O.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgetary issues, use "drain resources" to specifically highlight the negative impact of an expense or project on the overall availability of funds.

Common error

Avoid using "drain resources" when referring to a temporary or planned allocation of funds. The phrase typically implies a significant and potentially detrimental reduction in overall resource availability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drain resources" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of depleting or exhausting available resources. It is used to indicate that something is causing a reduction in resources, often with a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drain resources" is a commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys the depletion or exhaustion of available resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the negative implications and ensure it accurately reflects a significant reduction in resources, rather than a temporary allocation. Alternatives such as "deplete resources" or "exhaust resources" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use the correct verb form based on subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deplete resources

Focuses on the action of reducing resources, similar to "drain", but can imply a more complete reduction.

exhaust resources

Implies a complete consumption of resources, leaving nothing remaining.

consume resources

Describes the act of using resources, without necessarily implying a negative outcome, unlike "drain".

sap resources

Emphasizes the gradual weakening or reduction of resources over time.

bleed resources

Suggests a gradual and continuous loss of resources, often with a negative connotation.

strain resources

Highlights the pressure and burden placed on resources, rather than the actual depletion.

overextend resources

Indicates using more resources than are available or sustainable.

divert resources

Focuses on redirecting resources from one area to another, potentially causing a shortage in the original area.

squander resources

Implies a wasteful and irresponsible use of resources.

erode resources

Describes a slow and gradual wearing away of resources over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "drain resources" to describe how something negatively impacts the availability of funds, manpower, or other assets. For instance, "The prolonged conflict began to drain resources from the national economy."

What are some alternatives to saying "drain resources"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deplete resources", "exhaust resources", or "consume resources".

Is it correct to say "drains resources" instead of "drain resources"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "drains resources" with a singular subject (e.g., "The project drains resources"), and "drain resources" with a plural subject (e.g., "These projects drain resources").

What's the difference between "drain resources" and "divert resources"?

"Drain resources" implies a reduction or depletion of resources, whereas "divert resources" means to redirect them from one purpose to another. Diverting doesn't necessarily mean a loss, but a reallocation.