draw a gun

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw a gun" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you're talking about someone reaching for or pulling out a gun. For example, "He quickly drew a gun from his pocket and aimed it at the intruder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These days, neighbors go to court, they don't draw a gun.

The New York Times

Bob can draw a gun, cock the hammer, level the barrel, pull the trigger, & fire in.0175 of a second.

The New Yorker

Tattoos and the color of clothing — and even more obvious, a grab at the waist as if to draw a gun — are basic clues to gang activity.

The New York Times

Mr. Olango put his hand in his pants pocket and refused to comply with police orders, leading the officer to draw a gun, Chief Davis said.

The New York Times

I felt like they were going to draw a gun out and shoot me in my back or try to break my arms off or something.

The Washington Post

They wondered about scenarios in which they could face shooters on a hectic campus — or even, potentially, draw a gun to confront an armed and dangerous student.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Cranford drew a gun.

The New York Times - Books

He said Mr. Josephs drew a gun.

The New York Times

Another man, Aldrin Diaz, also had drawn a gun.

The New York Times

He orders a sandwich, eats it, draws a gun and fires.

The Economist

When the suspect draws a gun on him, Bosch shoots and kills him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's action, consider using more descriptive verbs than just "draw" to convey the speed or intent behind the action. For example, use "snatched", "whipped out", or "reached for" to add detail.

Common error

Avoid using "draw a gun" in the passive voice, as it can sound awkward. Instead of saying "A gun was drawn by him", opt for the active voice: "He drew a gun".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a gun" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of taking out a firearm. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various narrative contexts, emphasizing a moment of potential conflict or threat.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a gun" is a verb phrase used to describe the action of taking out a firearm, often in a context of conflict or threat. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears predominantly in news and media, as well as in wiki contexts. The register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, consider more descriptive verbs to enhance the imagery. The Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase for general use. There are several alternative phrases available such as "pull out a firearm" and "brandish a weapon" that may better reflect the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull out a firearm

Emphasizes the action of removing a gun, using a more formal term for a gun.

whip out a pistol

Implies a quick and sudden drawing of a pistol, adding a sense of urgency.

produce a handgun

A more formal way of saying to take out a handgun.

brandish a weapon

Refers to displaying a weapon in a threatening manner, broader than just a gun.

unholster a weapon

Specifically describes removing a weapon from its holster.

reach for a sidearm

Specifically refers to reaching for a weapon carried on the side, often by law enforcement or military.

display a firearm

Focuses on showing a gun, possibly without the intent to use it.

arm oneself

Highlights the act of preparing for combat by taking up a weapon, more general than a gun.

get a gun

Simplifies the action to obtaining a gun, without specifying the drawing action.

take out a weapon

A generic phrase for taking out any weapon, not specifically a gun.

FAQs

What does "draw a gun" mean?

The phrase "draw a gun" means to take out or pull a gun, often quickly, usually with the intention of using it or showing it in a threatening manner.

How to use "draw a gun" in a sentence?

You can use "draw a gun" in sentences like: "The robber drew a gun and demanded money", or "The police officer had to draw a gun to protect himself".

What can I say instead of "draw a gun"?

You can use alternatives like "pull out a firearm", "brandish a weapon", or "whip out a pistol" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "drew a gun" or "drawed a gun"?

The correct past tense of "draw" is "drew", so you should say "drew a gun". "Drawed" is not a standard English past tense form.