What are the definitions of “draw on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass slowly ( time ).
As the lesson DREW ON, the students started to get bored.
- 2Inhale smoke from a cigarette, cigar, etc.
He DREW ON his cigarette and coughed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “draw on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb draw on is to pass slowly, usually referring to time. For example, it can mean that an event or situation is taking a long time, and people are becoming bored or tired.
What are the different verb forms of “draw on”?
| Root Verb | draw on |
| Third Person Singular Present | draws on |
| Present Participle | drawing on |
| Simple Past | drew on |
| Past Participle | drawn on |
Example
As the meeting draws on, people start to lose focus.
Example
The lecture draws on and the students become restless.
Example
The party is drawing on and some guests are leaving.
Example
The concert drew on for hours, and the audience grew tired.
Example
The event had drawn on for too long, and people lost interest.
What kind of phrasal verb is “draw on”?
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 on” 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
As the lesson drew on, the students started to get bored.
Example
The meeting drew on and people began to lose focus.
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 on” 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
As the lesson drew on, the students started to get bored.
Example
The meeting drew on and people began to lose focus.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “draw on”?
Draw on* (a cigarette, cigar, etc.)
To inhale smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or other smoking device.
Example
He drew on his cigarette and coughed.
Good things to know
Does “draw on” have an informal or formal tone?
Draw on 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 academic or professional discussions.
