What are the definitions of “draw out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something continue longer than needed.
The director DREW the meeting OUT with a lengthy speech.
- 2Make a shy person more outgoing.
He was so quiet at first, but the teacher managed to DRAW him OUT and get him to participate.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “draw out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb draw out is to make something continue longer than necessary or needed. It can be used to describe events, conversations, or processes that take more time than expected or desired.
What are the different verb forms of “draw out”?
| Root Verb | draw out |
| Third Person Singular Present | draws out |
| Present Participle | drawing out |
| Simple Past | drew out |
| Past Participle | drawn out |
Example
The speaker drew out the presentation with too many details.
Example
She draws out her stories, making them longer than they need to be.
Example
He is drawing out the conversation, and everyone is getting bored.
Example
The meeting drew out for hours, making everyone tired.
Example
The process was drawn out due to unexpected complications.
What kind of phrasal verb is “draw out”?
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 out” 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 director drew out the meeting with a lengthy speech.
Example
She drew him out of his shell by asking about his interests.
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 out” 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 director drew out the meeting with a lengthy speech.
Example
She drew him out of his shell by asking about his interests.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “draw out”?
To obtain information from someone, often through questioning or conversation.
Example
The detective drew out the truth from the suspect during the interrogation.
Good things to know
Does “draw out” have an informal or formal tone?
Draw out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
