What are the definitions of “draw down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce levels.
The administration want to DRAW DOWN troop numbers as soon as they can.
- 2Get funding.
The college wants to DRAW DOWN extra funding for IT provision.
- 3To deplete by consumption or heavy spending.
Gas reserves were DRAWN DOWN in the recent cold spell.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “draw down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb draw down is to reduce levels or decrease the amount of something. This can refer to reducing the number of people in a group, such as soldiers, or lowering the amount of resources available.
What are the different verb forms of “draw down”?
| Root Verb | draw down |
| Third Person Singular Present | draws down |
| Present Participle | drawing down |
| Simple Past | drew down |
| Past Participle | drawn down |
Example
The company plans to draw down its inventory before the end of the year.
Example
She draws down her savings to pay for her education.
Example
The government is drawing down its emergency funds to deal with the crisis.
Example
They drew down their investments to cover the unexpected expenses.
Example
The resources have been drawn down significantly over the past few years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “draw down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“draw down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The company drew down its inventory to make room for new products.
Example
She drew down her savings to pay for her education.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“draw down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The company drew down its inventory to make room for new products.
Example
She drew down her savings to pay for her education.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “draw down”?
Good things to know
Does “draw down” have an informal or formal tone?
Draw down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in financial, business, and military settings, as well as in everyday conversations.
