What are the definitions of “draw in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get dark earlier.
The nights are DRAWING IN now it's winter.
- 2Arrive at a station ( for trains ).
The train DREW IN and we got off.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “draw in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb draw in is when the days become shorter, and it gets dark earlier, especially during winter. For example, it can mean that the sun sets earlier in the evening, making the nights longer.
What are the different verb forms of “draw in”?
| Root Verb | draw in |
| Third Person Singular Present | draws in |
| Present Participle | drawing in |
| Simple Past | drew in |
| Past Participle | drawn in |
Example
The days draw in quickly as winter approaches.
Example
As the season changes, the evening draws in earlier.
Example
The days are drawing in now that autumn is here.
Example
Last month, the nights drew in noticeably.
Example
The days had drawn in by the time December arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “draw in”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“draw in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The nights draw in quickly during winter.
Example
The days drew in as the season changed.
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 in” 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 nights draw in quickly during winter.
Example
The days drew in as the season changed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “draw in”?
Draw in* (for trains)
Arrive at a station.
Example
The train drew in and we got off.
Good things to know
Does “draw in” have an informal or formal tone?
Draw in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
