draw close

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical movement or the act of becoming closer. For example, "The friends drew close together to look at the old photo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collins was right, as the Mets did not have another opportunity to draw close.

The New York Times - Sports

Co-productions like "Kung Fu Panda 3" draw close monitoring by the censors at every step.

The New York Times

OUR nose knows when you draw close to this small Great Plains city.

The New York Times

They draw close in drowsy near-embraces and pull one another along by their hair.

The New York Times - Arts

As we draw close the landscape is mesmeric: golden hills, vineyards, citrus groves, craggy peaks.

The Guardian - Travel

Ms. Chao's views on affirmative action are likely to draw close scrutiny from minority and immigrant advocacy groups.

The New York Times

The rule could face a legal challenge in courts and is likely to draw close scrutiny from Congress.

The Washington Post

The dancers draw close because they must, it seems, in a landscape that is beautiful but chill and depersonalized.

The New York Times - Arts

Even very positive things can have negative aspects, which become more prominent in our minds as they draw close.

Harvard Business Review

The men, utterly different in temperament, fight like a married couple but draw close, sharing personal as well as professional secrets.

The New Yorker

As you draw close, the color begins to fill in, piles of deep red and charcoal cinder in heaps around the core.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw close" to emphasize a deliberate act of reducing distance, either physically or emotionally, to create intimacy or focus attention. For example, "As the speaker began, the audience drew close, eager to hear every word."

Common error

Avoid using "draw close" in contexts where a more direct or simpler term like "approach" or "near" would suffice, especially in technical writing or situations where emotional nuance is not intended. For example, instead of saying "The deadline draws close", it is better to say "The deadline is approaching".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw close" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of reducing distance, either physically or emotionally, between two entities. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "draw close" is a versatile expression that denotes a deliberate act of diminishing distance, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to scientific and general writing. While frequently employed, careful consideration of the context is necessary to prevent misuse. Alternatives such as "approach", "come near", and "get closer" offer simpler or more direct options when appropriate. Ultimately, "draw close" is best suited for instances where the nuance of creating intimacy or focusing attention is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get closer

Similar to 'move closer' but implies a process of becoming more intimate or connected.

draw nearer

A more formal synonym for "draw close", suggesting a similar sense of approaching.

move closer

This suggests a physical action of reducing the space between objects or people.

come near

This phrase directly conveys the idea of reducing the distance to be closer to something.

come together

Implies a uniting or gathering in a close physical or emotional space.

approach

This term suggests a movement towards something or someone, indicating a reduction in distance.

near

A simple and direct way to state that something is in proximity.

close in

This implies surrounding something or someone, creating a sense of nearness from multiple directions.

converge

This suggests elements coming together from different directions to meet at a point.

hug

This term signifies a physical embrace, indicating a very close proximity and often affection.

FAQs

What does "draw close" mean?

"Draw close" generally means to approach someone or something, either physically or emotionally. It implies a reduction in distance or an increase in intimacy.

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

You can use "draw close" to describe physical movement, like "The wagon "came near" the station", or emotional connection, such as "They "moved closer" to each other after the tragedy".

What are some alternatives to "draw close"?

Some alternatives to "draw close" include "approach", "come near", "move closer", and "get closer". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "draw close" formal or informal?

"Draw close" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more literary or emotional tone. In more technical or neutral contexts, simpler alternatives like "approach" might be preferred.