Draw Up – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever watched a lawyer prepare a contract? Or seen a taxi pull right up to the curb in front of you? In English, both situations use the phrase draw up. This useful phrasal verb has two main meanings—and once you know them, you’ll spot it in business talks, movies, and everyday life.
What Does “Draw Up” Mean?
“Draw up” has two common uses:
1. To prepare a formal document—like a contract, agreement, or plan (“The lawyer will draw up the lease.”)
2. To bring a vehicle to a stop—usually close to a person, building, or curb (“The bus drew up outside the hotel.”)
Think of it like carefully writing something official… or a car rolling smoothly to a halt. The phrase always involves intention and precision—never random or casual action.
When to Use It
Use “draw up” in these real-life contexts:
• In business, legal, or planning settings: “We need to draw up a schedule for the project.”
• When describing vehicles stopping: “The delivery van drew up just as I left the house.”
It’s neutral in tone—common in both spoken and written English, especially in news reports, stories, or professional communication.
Example Sentences
- The team drew up a proposal for the new marketing campaign.
- A black car drew up silently at the gate.
- Our accountant will draw up the partnership agreement by Friday.
- The train drew up to the platform, and passengers began to board.
Mini Dialogue
Elena: “The client signed the deal!”
Raj: “Great! I’ll ask legal to draw up the final contract today.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “draw up” when you mean “write quickly” or “sketch a picture.” It’s specifically for formal documents or vehicles stopping. Also, avoid using it for people walking up—only vehicles “draw up.”
❌ Don’t say: “She drew up a quick note.” (Use “wrote” or “jotted down.”)
✅ Do say: “They drew up a rental agreement.”
✅ Do say: “The ambulance drew up with its lights on.”
Practice Tip
Next time you see a car, bus, or delivery van stop close to a building, notice it—and think, “It’s drawing up.” When you hear about contracts or plans being prepared, listen for “draw up.” Connecting the phrase to real scenes helps you use it naturally.
Final Note
Now you can use “draw up” to talk about official documents or vehicles stopping with confidence! It’s a precise, vivid phrase that adds clarity to your English. Keep watching for it in news, films, or workplace conversations—you’ll be surprised how often it appears. You’re doing great!