we were drained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were drained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of exhaustion or fatigue, either physically or emotionally, often after a demanding experience. Example: "After the long meeting and the intense discussions, we were drained and needed a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After four hours, we were drained, but more than satisfied.

The Guardian

The school holidays had been going on for two and a half weeks already, and we were drained and resourceless from endless days of full-contact parenting.

The New Yorker

As extra time came, we were drained and I knew that we were going to have to hang on for dear life".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were drained.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We are drained of everything but simple thoughts.

The New Yorker

"We're drained," he said of his team.

The New York Times - Sports

It's summer and we're drained from the disturbing headlines pouring in day after day.

Huffington Post

We are dreamers, we are drained, but we are fearless, and even if our energy is depleted, our ambition is unrivaled.

Huffington Post

I'd show up after work sometimes and they'd be like, "You know what, we're drained.

Huffington Post

On the other hand, when we are consumed with our problems, we are drained of our focus and energy needed to perform optimally.

Huffington Post

Because our daily doses of willpower are limited, Baumeister suggested we address our biggest decisions of the day earlier in the morning when we feel strong and energized rather than in the evening when we are drained and tempted to fall back on unhealthy behaviors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were drained" to convey a sense of significant physical or emotional exhaustion resulting from a specific event or period. Be clear about what caused the depletion to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "we were drained" without explaining the cause of the exhaustion. Without context, the phrase can sound vague or melodramatic. Always provide the reason for feeling drained to make the statement more impactful and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were drained" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of exhaustion or depletion experienced by a group. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing the phrase conveying fatigue.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were drained" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express a state of exhaustion or depletion, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in both informal and formal contexts. The expression appears predominantly in News & Media, signifying its utility in reporting experiences of fatigue and resource depletion. Consider alternatives like "we felt exhausted" or "we were depleted" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt exhausted

Expresses a general feeling of extreme tiredness.

we were fatigued

Implies a more prolonged or chronic state of tiredness.

we were depleted

Suggests a significant reduction in energy or resources.

we were spent

Indicates a complete loss of energy, often after intense exertion.

we were worn out

Implies being tired due to prolonged use or stress.

we were weary

Suggests tiredness combined with a sense of resignation or discouragement.

we were dog-tired

An informal expression indicating extreme tiredness.

we were running on fumes

Indicates a state of continuing to function despite extreme fatigue.

we were at the end of our rope

Implies being emotionally and mentally exhausted, beyond the point of coping.

we had nothing left

Focuses on the absence of remaining energy or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "we were drained" in a sentence?

You can use "we were drained" to describe a state of exhaustion after a demanding experience. For example, "After the marathon, "we were drained" and needed to rest."

What can I say instead of "we were drained"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt exhausted", "we were fatigued", or "we were depleted" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we were drained" or "we were exhausted"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we were drained" often suggests a more complete depletion of energy, both physical and emotional, while "we were exhausted" primarily emphasizes physical tiredness. The best choice depends on the specific feeling you want to express.

What's the difference between "we were drained" and "we were tired"?

"We were tired" implies a general state of needing rest. "We were drained" suggests a deeper level of exhaustion, often indicating that energy or resources have been significantly depleted. Drained implies a more profound level of depletion than simply being tired.