Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it was draining
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "it was draining" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something was exhausting or taking up all one's energy. For example: "Folding all the laundry was draining; it felt like it took forever!".
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sports
Opinion
Alternative expressions(20)
it was exhausting
it was debilitating
it took a toll on me
It was exhausting
It left me drained
It was sapping my energy
It was depleting
It took a toll on me
It was taxing
it was very tedious
it was very draining
it was bleeding
it was very tiring
it was very tough
it began draining
it was very consuming
it was quite exhausting
it was so tiring
it was burning
it left me completely wiped out
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
26 human-written examples
He says it was draining.
News & Media
It was draining, mind-altering work.
News & Media
She added that it was draining to reach the verdict.
News & Media
"It was draining going back and everything, and yesterday was a tough match," she said.
News & Media
If greatness was grating for the Wizards, it was draining for Jordan.
News & Media
It was a maximum-effort performance, he explained, and it was draining.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
32 human-written examples
It was drained in the 1930's.
News & Media
After it was drained of water, most of the sailors were returned too, as corpses.
News & Media
The paddy field was submerged in water until it was drained on 9 October 2006.
Science
And what was revealed the last time it was drained, also during a drought?
News & Media
If solution remained in the peritoneal cavity, it was drained before the injection.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it was draining" to convey a sense of exhaustion, either physical or emotional, resulting from a specific event or period. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the draining effect.
Common error
Avoid using "it was draining" as a generic complaint. Always provide context as to what activity or situation caused the feeling of being drained to maintain clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it was draining" functions as a subjective evaluation, attributing a quality of causing depletion or exhaustion to a prior event, activity, or situation. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, contexts range from describing emotional burdens to physical exertion.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Sports
15%
Opinion
10%
Less common in
Science
10%
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it was draining" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the experience of feeling depleted or exhausted. Ludwig examples reveal frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sports, and Opinion pieces. The phrase effectively conveys the toll an event or situation has taken, emphasizing its impact. Remember to provide clear context when using the phrase to enhance understanding and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "it was exhausting" and "it took a toll on me" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
It was exhausting
Focuses directly on the feeling of being tired and worn out.
It left me drained
Expresses the state of being emptied of energy or resources after an event.
It was sapping my energy
Highlights the continuous removal of one's strength and vigor.
It was depleting
Focuses on the reduction of resources, both physical and emotional.
It took a toll on me
Indicates a negative effect or burden resulting from a demanding experience.
It was taxing
Highlights the demanding nature of a task and its impact on one's resources.
It was debilitating
Implies a weakening or disabling effect, suggesting a more severe impact.
It was wearying
Suggests a gradual accumulation of tiredness, often from repetitive or prolonged activity.
It was enervating
Emphasizes a gradual loss of energy and vitality.
It was a real grind
Emphasizes the difficulty and monotony of an activity that leads to exhaustion.
FAQs
How can I use "it was draining" in a sentence?
You can use "it was draining" to describe an activity or situation that left you feeling exhausted, either physically or emotionally. For example, "The negotiations were intense; "it was draining" trying to reach a compromise."
What's the difference between "it was exhausting" and "it was draining"?
"It was exhausting" directly refers to the feeling of being tired, while ""it was draining"" implies that something has depleted your energy or resources. Exhausting describes the state; draining describes the cause.
What can I say instead of "it was draining" to express exhaustion?
Alternatives include "it was exhausting", "it was debilitating", or "it took a toll on me", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is "it is draining" or "it was draining" more appropriate in my writing?
Use "it is draining" when describing a current or ongoing situation. Use ""it was draining"" when referring to something that occurred in the past and caused exhaustion.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested