What does the phrasal verb “draw up” mean?

What are the definitions of “draw up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Prepare a contract.

  The contract was DRAWN UP by our solicitor.

• 2. When a vehicle stops.

  The police car DREW UP alongside him at the red lights and asked him to pull over.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “draw up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb draw up is to prepare or create a document, such as a contract or a plan. It is often used in legal and business contexts. For example, it can mean creating a contract between two parties or drafting a plan for a project.

What are the different verb forms of “draw up”?

Root Verb	draw up
Third Person Singular Present	draws up
Present Participle	drawing up
Simple Past	drew up
Past Participle	drawn up

Example

The lawyer will draw up the agreement for us.

Example

She draws up the plans for the new building.

Example

He is drawing up a proposal for the project.

Example

They drew up a contract for the sale of the house.

Example

The document has been drawn up and is ready for review.

What kind of phrasal verb is “draw up”?

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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 up” 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 lawyer drew up the contract.

Example

She drew up a plan for the project.

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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 up” 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 lawyer drew up the contract.

Example

She drew up a plan for the project.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “draw up”?

Draw up a list

Create a list of items or tasks.

Example

Please draw up a list of all the supplies we need for the event.

Draw up a budget

Prepare a financial plan for a specific period.

Example

We need to draw up a budget for the next fiscal year.

Draw up a will

Create a legal document that states how a person's assets will be distributed after their death.

Example

It's important to draw up a will to ensure your wishes are followed.

Good things to know

Does “draw up” have an informal or formal tone?

Draw up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in legal, business, and professional settings, as well as in everyday conversations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “draw up”?

Synonyms

• prepare
• create
• draft
• compose
• devise
• design
• write
• formulate

Antonyms

• cancel
• disregard
• ignore
• neglect
• abandon
• discard
• destroy
• erase