What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
draw
Example
She likes to draw portraits of her friends. [draw: verb]
Example
The artist used charcoal to draw a landscape. [draw: verb]
Example
Can you draw the curtains, please? [draw: verb]
sketch
Example
He made a sketch of the building before starting the detailed drawing. [sketch: noun]
Example
She sketched out a rough plan for the new project. [sketched: verb]
Example
Can you sketch the main points of the presentation for me? [sketch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Draw is more commonly used than sketch in everyday language. Draw is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, from creating art to pulling a curtain closed. Sketch, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used more in artistic or creative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between draw and sketch?
Both draw and sketch can be used in formal and informal contexts, but drawing is often associated with a more formal or professional tone, while sketching can be seen as more casual or informal.
