have been depleted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been depleted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a resource or supply has been used up or exhausted over a period of time. Example: "The natural resources in the area have been depleted due to over-extraction and lack of sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These reserves, however, have been depleted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The capital bases of the banks have been depleted.

The New York Times

The holdings of several of the country's most important galleries and art collectors have been depleted.

The Guardian

The central bank's foreign reserves have been depleted or siphoned out of the country.

The Guardian

All types of sturgeon have been depleted in the search for the tiny, high-priced eggs.

The New York Times

Over the last 25 years or so they have been depleted, worn out from overuse.

The New York Times

This year the Giants' special teams have been depleted by injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

(When a third to a half of those stores have been depleted, death usually ensues).

The New Yorker

It must also restock ships' supplies that have been depleted for use in Iraq.

The New York Times

Because the Mets have been depleted by injuries, they do not have many certainties.

The New York Times - Sports

The fishing grounds he once relied on have been depleted, and piracy is what's left.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been depleted", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being exhausted, and the context explains why or how the depletion occurred. For instance: "The region's water resources have been depleted due to prolonged drought and excessive irrigation".

Common error

Avoid using "have been depleted" without specifying what exactly is depleted. A sentence like "Resources have been depleted" lacks clarity. Always specify the resource: "Natural resources have been depleted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been depleted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been reduced or exhausted. This is supported by Ludwig AI, and numerous examples show its use in describing the state of resources, supplies, or even abstract concepts like trust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been depleted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase indicating that something has been reduced or exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its occurrence across various sources highlights its versatility. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, it serves to inform readers about the state of resources and supplies. While alternatives like "have been exhausted" or "have been used up" exist, it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying what exactly has been depleted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been exhausted

Synonymous, implying complete consumption or use.

have been used up

Indicates that something has been completely consumed or utilized.

have been consumed

Suggests something has been used or destroyed, often by being eaten or burned.

have run out

Implies that the supply of something is finished or no longer available.

have been diminished

Indicates a reduction in size, extent or amount.

have been reduced

Signifies a decrease in quantity or size.

have been drained

Suggests the removal of liquid or resources, leaving emptiness.

have been lessened

Indicates a decrease in intensity or degree.

have dwindled

Implies a gradual decrease in size or amount.

have been sapped

Suggests that something has been gradually weakened or depleted of its energy or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "have been depleted" in a sentence?

Use "have been depleted" to indicate that a resource or supply has been significantly reduced or exhausted. For example: "The region's coal reserves "have been depleted" after decades of mining".

What are some alternatives to "have been depleted"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been exhausted", "have been used up", or "have run out" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "has been depleted" instead of "have been depleted"?

No, use "has been depleted" for singular subjects (e.g., "The well has been depleted"), and "have been depleted" for plural subjects (e.g., "The wells have been depleted").

What is the difference between "have been depleted" and "have been diminished"?

"Have been depleted" suggests a near or complete exhaustion, while "have been diminished" implies a reduction but not necessarily complete exhaustion. For example, "Trust "have been diminished"", but "Oil reserves "have been depleted"".