draining away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draining away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual loss or depletion of something, such as energy, resources, or emotions. Example: "As the sun set, the warmth of the day was slowly draining away, leaving a chill in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She nodded, unease draining away.

The New Yorker

Confidence in the SFO is draining away.

Independent

Their girl-empowerment is draining away.

The Guardian - Film

Their ploughing technique is designed to avoid rain draining away.

The Guardian

However, the cathode down-slanted channel showed membrane dehydration due to water draining away.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Overall, authority is still draining away from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and his dysfunctional government.

Independent

And some of the backing he had been able to gain has started draining away.

The New York Times

But Ireland is now in its third year of austerity, and confidence just keeps draining away.

The New York Times

The clock ticked down, time draining away on the Ravens' chances to get the ball back.

The New York Times - Sports

Britain's tight-fisted banks are draining away the QE stimulus, and more.

The Economist

From then on, Milner, his confidence draining away, was one challenge from a red card.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draining away" to vividly describe the gradual loss of something intangible, such as confidence, hope, or energy. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing a slow, continuous decline.

Common error

While "draining away" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "depleting" or "diminishing" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draining away" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense. It signifies a gradual reduction or depletion of something, whether tangible (like water) or intangible (like confidence). Ludwig's examples showcase this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draining away" functions as a versatile verb phrase indicating a gradual loss or depletion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in news and media, but also in scientific and business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to consider alternatives for highly formal settings. Semantically similar options include "ebbing away" and "fading away". By understanding its nuances and context, writers can effectively employ "draining away" to convey a sense of gradual decline or loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ebbing away

Suggests a gradual decline or reduction, similar to a tide receding.

Fading away

Implies a loss of intensity or clarity over time.

Dissipating

Refers to scattering or vanishing, often used for intangible things like hope or energy.

Waning

Indicates a decline in power, influence, or extent.

Depleting

Focuses on the exhaustion or using up of resources.

Flowing out

Suggests a departure or outflow, often of liquids or other fluids.

Seeping out

Implies a slow, gradual leakage or escape.

Emptying out

Conveys the idea of becoming devoid of contents.

Vanishing

Suggests a sudden or complete disappearance.

Disappearing

Implies a more general loss of visibility or existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "draining away" to describe the gradual loss of something, such as "His energy was draining away as the illness progressed" or "The support for the policy is "ebbing away"".

What are some alternatives to "draining away"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fading away", ""ebbing away"", or "dissipating" instead of "draining away".

Is "draining away" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "draining away" might be considered less formal. In very formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "depleting" or "diminishing".

What's the difference between "draining away" and "disappearing"?

"Draining away" implies a gradual and continuous loss, while "disappearing" suggests a more sudden or complete vanishing. For example, "His confidence was draining away" suggests a slow decline, whereas "He disappeared" suggests a complete and immediate absence.