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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
drained by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"drained by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe draining away something or someone, or the draining away of something or someone, such as in the example sentence: "The lake's water supply was quickly drained by the surrounding city."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Oz seemed drained by it.
News & Media
It is drained by the Kunar River.
Encyclopedias
I am still emotionally drained by it.
News & Media
The fund was drained by October 2005.
News & Media
Opik feels drained by the media, however.
News & Media
One died on arrival, drained by malaria.
News & Media
It is drained by the upper Sègre River.
Encyclopedias
The prefecture is drained by the Mogami River.
Encyclopedias
Its public coffers have been drained by wars and misspending.
News & Media
The mountains are drained by tributaries of the Columbia River.
Encyclopedias
"I think we were all pretty drained by that point".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "drained by" to describe a geographical area, ensure the noun preceding it accurately represents the land being affected (e.g., "The valley is drained by the river").
Common error
Avoid using "drained by" in figurative contexts where a more appropriate verb like "affected by" or "influenced by" would be more accurate. Overusing "drained by" can make your writing sound repetitive and less precise.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "drained by" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a noun. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It indicates that something is being depleted or affected by an external agent.
Frequent in
Encyclopedias
32%
News & Media
42%
Science
26%
Less common in
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "drained by" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe depletion or influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in both literal and figurative contexts, ranging from geographical descriptions to emotional states. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles, although more precise alternatives may be suitable for highly formal contexts. The most common authoritative sources using this phrase include Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times, and The Guardian.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
exhausted by
Focuses on the feeling of fatigue or depletion as a result of something.
depleted by
Emphasizes the reduction or consumption of resources or energy.
weakened by
Focuses on the reduction of strength or resilience.
emptied by
Stresses the complete removal of contents or resources.
reduced by
Highlights a decrease in quantity or intensity due to an external factor.
sapped by
Implies a gradual weakening or draining of energy or strength.
consumed by
Suggests a gradual or complete absorption or destruction.
overwhelmed by
Emphasizes being overpowered or burdened, leading to a state of depletion.
influenced by
Highlights the impact or effect that something has on another entity, often leading to a reduction in its original state.
undermined by
Highlights the weakening or destabilization of something, often gradually.
FAQs
How can I use "drained by" in a sentence?
You can use "drained by" to describe something being emptied of resources or energy, like "The land was "drained by" the river" or to express emotional exhaustion, as in "She felt "drained by" the constant demands".
What are some alternatives to "drained by"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exhausted by", "depleted by", or "influenced by". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use "drained by"?
"Drained by" is appropriate when describing a process where something is gradually emptied, either physically or emotionally. For instance, describing how a river "drained by" the region's rainfall or how someone felt "drained by" a long day of work.
Is "drained by" formal or informal?
"Drained by" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider whether more precise alternatives like "depleted by" or "influenced by" might be more appropriate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested