draining year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draining year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a year that has been emotionally or physically exhausting. Example: "After a draining year filled with challenges, I finally feel ready to take a break and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ms. Buck announced her decision after returning from a two-month leave of absence following a draining year in which she also took on the creation of Air France Madame for Conde Nast and French Vogue's Web site.

The New York Times - Style

No one knew how he would respond after such a draining year.

The New York Times - Sports

For myself, it wasn't a single trigger, just a draining year full of articles that gelled too slowly, deadlines that arrived too quickly and a workplace that had more than its share of well-publicized stress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Too giddy, too polite and too happy to know any better or act any differently, Zinter gave sweet, honest answers about spending 14 draining years in the minor leagues and the last few precious days in the majors.

The New York Times - Sports

The promise of a rebirth has not been redeemed and faith in the African National Congress as the sole repository of change drains year by year.

The Guardian - Opinion

One too many trips through the Midtown Tunnel whetted my appetite for foot-to-the-floor, hell-on-wheels driving, a therapeutic hour or two to drain years of pent-up road rage.

The New York Times

"If there are nearly 400 of these sub-glacial lakes then there's a chance a handful of them are draining each year, and that needs to be considered," he told BBC News.

BBC

But, in many agreements, the calendars for many are poorly designed, based solely on both parents' efforts to control their child's plans rather as a contractual stipulation in time sharing than a child's necessary downtime to chill from a hectic and draining school year.

Huffington Post

Abundance or species richness of a site were set as response variables and fixed effects were treatment (restored, drained, pristine), year (before restoration, the first year after restoration, the third year after restoration) and their interaction term denoting the possible effect of restoration.

BMC Ecology

After the draining W. years — when grumpy old men foolishly refought grumpy old wars — Barack Obama was going to sweep us to modernity.

The New York Times

Precious metals worth an estimated £13m are being flushed down our sinks and drains each year.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draining year" to accurately portray periods marked by significant emotional, mental or physical depletion.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the "draining year" to maintain credibility. Focus on objective descriptions of the challenges faced rather than resorting to hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draining year" functions as a descriptive term, where "draining" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "year". It describes a year that has been particularly taxing or exhausting, emotionally, physically, or mentally. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draining year" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a period marked by emotional, physical, or mental exhaustion. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While primarily found in news and media, and sports contexts, it can also be appropriately used in formal writing, provided the tone and purpose align. Related phrases include "exhausting period" and "challenging time", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "draining year", it's best to provide specific details about the challenges faced to enhance the impact and avoid exaggerating the experience. Overall, "draining year" effectively communicates a sense of depletion and hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhausting period

Replaces 'draining' with 'exhausting', highlighting the depletion of energy.

trying year

Highlights the demanding and testing nature of the year.

challenging time

Focuses on the difficulties and obstacles faced during the year.

tiresome span

Focuses on the weariness and fatigue caused by the year's events.

difficult phase

Emphasizes the hardship experienced during the year.

stressful duration

Shifts the focus to the mental and emotional strain experienced.

taxing twelvemonth

Uses a more formal term ('twelvemonth') and 'taxing' to convey the burdensome aspect.

grueling annum

Synonymous for exhausting period, uses 'annum' for a formal alternative of 'year'

arduous stage

Highlights the labor and effort required throughout the year.

onerous timeline

Implies that the year brought heavy responsibilities and burdens.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "draining year" in a sentence?

To effectively use "draining year", provide specific context about what made the year so challenging. For example: "After a "draining year" filled with unexpected setbacks, I decided to prioritize self-care."

What are some alternatives to saying "draining year"?

You can use alternatives like "exhausting period", "challenging time", or "trying year" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "draining year" in formal writing?

Yes, "draining year" can be used in formal writing, especially when providing an honest assessment of a difficult period. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more formal alternative like "onerous timeline" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between a "draining year" and a "difficult year"?

While both describe challenging times, a "draining year" specifically implies a depletion of energy and resources, whereas a "difficult phase" simply indicates hardship or adversity without necessarily suggesting exhaustion.