draw a box around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw a box around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to visually highlight or enclose a specific area or item, often in diagrams or illustrations. Example: "In the diagram, please draw a box around the section that represents the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

So draw a box around "wad".

The New Yorker

The second task is to find a particular object and draw a box around it.

MIT Technology Review

"We will draw a box around those areas and say we cannot go in there,"said Barry A. Williamson, director of the department's Minerals Management Service.

The New York Times

"What we want to do, to the best we're able to, is draw a box around it and say that it is contained," Michael Carpenter, the new chief executive, told a trade publication in November.

The New York Times

Pinterest's new visual search tool lets you draw a box around something seen in an image on the service to find visually similar items from an index of over a billion.

MIT Technology Review

Using the Rectangle Tool, draw a box around your text.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The White House drew a box around the section so it would stand out among the 417 pages of statistics.

The New York Times

But the presidential report points out that the current system for classifying jobs "is not straightforward". The White House drew a box around the section so it would stand out among the 417 pages of statistics.

The New York Times

"I drew a box around it, and then I drew another box.

BBC

Since several attributes and logical connectors can be specified in this new clause, forming a complex condition by itself, the web interface draws a box around this condition and introduces it with the we have keyword.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

You draw a box not only around any word that does not seem quite right but also around words that fulfill their assignment but seem to present an opportunity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions for image editing or graphic design, use "draw a box around" to clearly indicate the area to be selected or focused on.

Common error

Don't use "draw a box around" if you intend the user to draw a freeform shape or an oval. Instead, specify the exact shape required for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a box around" functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a clear way to tell someone to visually isolate a specific element. The examples show this command used in various contexts, from image editing to highlighting text.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a box around" serves as a straightforward imperative, instructing someone to visually highlight or isolate an area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although not overly formal, it's widely understood in various contexts, ranging from technical instructions to general directions. While frequency is uncommon, its clarity makes it a useful instruction. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "demarcate". Understanding the nuances of this phrase enables more effective communication, particularly in instructional and visual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outline with a box

Focuses on the action of creating an outline in the shape of a box, rather than the drawing itself.

encircle with a rectangle

Uses "encircle" instead of "draw" and specifies a rectangle shape.

highlight by boxing

Emphasizes the highlighting aspect by using a box shape.

put a border around

Focuses on adding a border for emphasis.

frame within a square

Implies framing the subject in a square shape.

demarcate with a bounding box

Uses more technical terminology, suggesting a clear demarcation.

enclose in a rectangular shape

Highlights the act of enclosing something within a rectangle.

mark with a square

Suggests marking with a square for identification.

segment with a box

Highlights the segmentation of elements using a box.

isolate within a boxed region

Focuses on isolating an item or area within a box.

FAQs

How can I use "draw a box around" in a sentence?

Use "draw a box around" when providing instructions for selecting or highlighting specific areas, objects, or text within an image or document. For example, "draw a box around the error message to highlight it for the support team".

What are some alternatives to saying "draw a box around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "outline with a box", "encircle with a rectangle", or "highlight by boxing".

Is it appropriate to use "draw a box around" in formal writing?

While "draw a box around" is clear and understandable, it is generally more appropriate for instructional or technical writing. In more formal contexts, consider using "demarcate with a bounding box" to convey a more professional tone.

When is it better to use "select" instead of "draw a box around"?

If the context involves using a selection tool in software, it is often more appropriate to use "select" followed by a description of the area. However, "draw a box around" provides a more literal, hands-on instruction.