draw back

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw back" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express the idea of something being retracted or retreating (for example, "The crowd of protestors drew back when the police arrived").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then I draw back.

The New Yorker

You draw back, though you're fascinated.

The New Yorker

The shock of that massacre caused everybody to draw back.

The New Yorker

If the housing market strengthens, gradually draw back government involvement.

The New Yorker

Draw back the window blinds and the screen fades, becoming impossible to read in direct sunlight.

The Economist

That wonderful image allows Miller to draw back and survey the scene from on high.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Another thought is to make a draw-back curtain.

The New York Times

Sadly, there is a draw-back.

TechCrunch

A draw-back of CE-OFDM is its bandwidth expansion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The major draw-back of the Monte Carlo method is its computational cost.

Computer Physics Communications

Finally, an important draw-back of CT is the radiation exposure associated with the technique [4].

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw back", consider the context to ensure the degree of withdrawal or retreat is accurately conveyed. For strategic retreats or reconsiderations, it's appropriate; for physical movements, consider more direct alternatives like "step back".

Common error

Avoid using "draw back" when a more specific term like "retract" or "rescind" is more appropriate. "Draw back" is generally used for physical or strategic withdrawal, not for legal or formal revocations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw back" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of retreating or withdrawing. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it can describe physical movement or a figurative withdrawal from a position or commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw back" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of retreating or withdrawing, either physically or figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Ludwig's examples reveal common usage in news, wiki entries, and scientific articles, indicating a neutral register. When using "draw back", consider whether a more specific term like "retract" or "rescind" might be more appropriate, and always ensure the context accurately reflects the intended meaning of withdrawal or retreat. Semantically related options include "recede" and "withdraw".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recede

This alternative suggests a gradual retreat or withdrawal, often in a physical sense.

retreat

This alternative implies a strategic withdrawal from a position or situation.

withdraw

This alternative suggests a more formal or deliberate removal from involvement.

pull back

This alternative is a more casual way to describe retreating or withdrawing.

back down

This alternative implies conceding or yielding in a conflict or negotiation.

reconsider

This alternative suggests rethinking a decision or plan.

retract

This alternative means to take back a statement or offer.

rescind

This alternative refers to the cancellation or revocation of a law, order, or agreement.

repeal

This alternative specifically means to revoke or annul a law or act of parliament.

take a step back

This alternative means to create some distance from a situation in order to assess it better.

FAQs

How can I use "draw back" in a sentence?

You can use "draw back" to describe physically moving away from something, as in, "He saw the snake and "drew back" in fright". It can also describe withdrawing from an agreement or position: "The company decided to "draw back from the deal"".

What phrases are similar to "draw back"?

Similar phrases include "retreat", "withdraw", and "recede". The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "draw back" instead of "retreat"?

"Retreat" often implies a more organized or strategic withdrawal, especially in military contexts. "Draw back" can be used more generally for any kind of withdrawal, whether physical or strategic. Consider: "The army began to retreat", versus, "He "drew back in horror"".

Is "draw back" a formal or informal expression?

"Draw back" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the specific situation, a more formal synonym like "withdraw" might be preferable.