draw blood

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw blood" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts to refer to taking a blood sample from a patient for testing. For example, "The nurse drew blood from the patient for a cholesterol test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It doesn't draw blood".

The New York Times - Arts

They bite and draw blood.

Independent

They'll draw blood, Martin said.

The Washington Post

The tenterhooks are beginning to draw blood".

Independent

Females draw blood to nourish their eggs.

The New York Times

Besides, a manicurist should never draw blood.

The New York Times

(Her vampires don't sparkle, they draw blood).

The New York Times

Too thin and too weak even to draw blood.

The New York Times

These early undead did not necessarily draw blood.

The New Yorker

"He didn't actually draw blood, but I certainly felt it.

The Guardian - Arts

But once their claws get long enough, they draw blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical or technical writing, maintain clarity by specifying the method used to "draw blood", such as venipuncture or arterial sampling.

Common error

Avoid using "draw blood" metaphorically when a more precise term like 'instigate conflict' or 'cause harm' would provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw blood" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'draw' is the verb and 'blood' is the object. This phrase, as Ludwig confirms, signifies the action of extracting blood, whether in a medical or metaphorical sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw blood" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad usage. The phrase predominantly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with varying formality levels. When using "draw blood", it's important to consider the context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and clarity. For metaphorical uses, consider more precise alternatives like 'cause harm' or 'instigate conflict'. Although a very common phrase, be mindful when using it, especially in sensitive subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extract blood

Focuses specifically on the action of taking blood, particularly in a medical or scientific context.

collect blood

Similar to 'extract blood' but emphasizes the gathering or amassing of blood, often for testing or analysis.

take a blood sample

A more formal and clinical way of referring to the process of obtaining blood for medical purposes.

puncture a vein

Describes the specific action of piercing a vein, which is often necessary to draw blood.

cause bleeding

Shifts the focus to the result of an action, indicating that blood is being lost or expelled.

perform phlebotomy

Technical term used in the medical field for drawing blood from a vein.

shed blood

Emphasizes the act of spilling blood, often in the context of violence or sacrifice.

inflict injury

Broader term implying physical harm, which may or may not involve blood.

start a fight

Metaphorically relates to "draw blood" by suggesting the initiation of conflict or aggression, where 'blood' symbolizes harm.

provoke a conflict

Similar to 'start a fight', this phrase highlights the instigation of a dispute that could lead to harm.

FAQs

How is "draw blood" used in a medical context?

In medicine, "draw blood" refers to the process of extracting a blood sample from a patient, typically for diagnostic testing or analysis. For example, a phlebotomist might "extract blood" to check a patient's cholesterol levels.

What are some non-medical uses of "draw blood"?

Outside of medicine, "draw blood" can be used metaphorically to mean causing harm or initiating a conflict. However, using a more descriptive term like "provoke a conflict" or "inflict injury" is often more precise.

Is it more appropriate to say "draw blood" or "take blood"?

Both "draw blood" and "take blood" are acceptable, but "draw blood" is often preferred in formal or medical settings as it specifically describes the action of extracting blood. "Take a blood sample" is another option.

What's a formal term for "draw blood"?

In medical terminology, a formal term for "draw blood" is "perform phlebotomy", which refers to the procedure of puncturing a vein to extract blood.