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draw up

to prepare a document or plan

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to prepare a document or plan in written form

2. (verb) to come to a stop or halt (especially of a vehicle)

Examples

• 1. The lawyer will draw up a contract for the new business agreement.
• 2. The car drew up to the curb and stopped.

How to use draw up

Draw up (meaning 1) is a phrasal verb meaning to compose or create a written document or scheme, often one that is formal or official; it emphasizes the careful preparation of something concrete. For meaning 2, it describes a vehicle stopping or slowing to a halt, typically used in British English. The first meaning is more common in general usage.

Common phrases

• draw up a contract
• draw up a plan
• draw up a document
• draw up a list
• draw up to the curb

Synonyms

prepare · draft · compose · formulate · pull up

Word family

drawing up · drawn up

A common mistake

Learners sometimes write 'draw up a plan' when they mean a specific, completed plan rather than the act of creating one; the verb emphasizes the process of preparation rather than the final result.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

count on, cut down on, deal with, drop off, figure out, fill in

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained