draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary version of a document or piece of writing that is subject to revision. Example: "I will send you the draft of the report by the end of the day for your feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In effect, Di Girolamo was being asked to help draft a letter to himself.

The Guardian

In one instance, Koelma sent a draft letter from O'Farrell's office in support of AWH's bid for a lucrative public-private partnership to the water company's chief executive, Nick Di Girolamo, asking him for input.

The Guardian

"I will ask them [O'Farrell's office] for a draft before it is sent".

The Guardian

If any player can soothe the Demon heartache that came when No2 pick Christian Petracca suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first months of his career, you'd think it's the young man who followed him by one place in the national draft.

The Guardian - Sport

It goes without saying that the football world always has its eyes firmly fixed on number one draft picks, a level of expectation and attention that could get the better of even the strongest mind.

The Guardian - Sport

But in 1981, the so-called "Pennsylvania edition" (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press) reverted to Dreiser's handwritten first draft, now held in the New York Public Library, and substituted his uncut holograph version as the scholarly text of the novel.

The Guardian - Books

Ultimately, NSW Maritime altered its draft commercial lease policy to allow for direct negotiations with existing tenants and new leases were indeed granted to CQPL in 2009.

The Guardian

The law students help draft letters to landlords and tell students what costs are reasonable – and unreasonable.

The Guardian

This question arose at Words and Wickets, a splendid day at Wormsley that combined cricket and literature into a potent draft.

The Guardian - Sport

Under expert supervision, you'll take on one of the most demanding tasks any writer can face – to work on creating the first draft of an original novel.

The Guardian

One of those who helped to draft the act, Michael Drury, who was GCHQ's director of legal affairs between 1996 and 2010, said journalism was barely considered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "draft" as a verb, ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean to write a preliminary version, conscript someone, or select a player for a sports team.

Common error

Avoid using the noun "draft" when you intend to use the verb form. For instance, instead of saying "He will draft the letter," use "He will draft the letter".

Linguistic Context

The word "draft" functions primarily as a noun referring to a preliminary version of a document or a current of air. It also serves as a verb, meaning to prepare a preliminary version or to conscript. As stated by Ludwig AI, "draft" is correct and usable in written English, and functions effectively as both a noun and a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "draft" is a versatile word with diverse applications, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used in English. Its most frequent contexts include news media, formal business, and science. While "draft" can refer to a preliminary version of a document, a current of air, or conscription, understanding the intended meaning is crucial. To enhance clarity, specifying the type of "draft" is advisable. By avoiding confusion between its noun and verb forms, writers can effectively communicate their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary version

Refers to an initial, unpolished version of a document or plan.

rough copy

Indicates a first, unrefined version of a written piece.

initial outline

Specifies the first sketch or framework of a plan or document.

first version

Simply denotes the earliest iteration of something.

provisional plan

Describes a tentative plan that may be subject to change.

sketch

Highlights an initial, simplified drawing or plan.

outline

Focuses on the structural framework of a document or plan.

preliminary sketch

Combines the ideas of an initial drawing and a sketch.

trial version

Emphasizes the experimental nature of the version.

blueprint

Implies a detailed plan, often in technical contexts.

FAQs

How is "draft" used as a noun?

As a noun, "draft" can refer to a preliminary version of a document, a current of air, the depth of a ship below the waterline, or conscription. For example, "I reviewed the "preliminary version" of the report" or "He was called up in the "conscription"".

What does it mean to "draft" a document?

To "draft" a document means to prepare a preliminary version. Similar terms include "outline", "sketch", or "draw up". For example, "She will "prepare a preliminary version" of the contract".

What are some synonyms for "draft" as in, "a cold draft"?

In the context of a current of air, alternatives for "draft" include "breeze", "current of air", or "gust".

How is the word "draft" used in sports?

In sports, "draft" refers to the system of assigning rookie players to professional teams. For instance, "He was selected in the first round of the "player selection"".