draw closer

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw closer" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe someone or something moving towards someone or something else. For example, "As the sun set, the couple began to draw closer, the warmth of their embrace fading away the troubles of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then he sought to draw closer.

The New York Times

As exams draw closer, anxiety starts to kick in.

The Guardian

The elusive standards of female perfection never draw closer.

The New York Times

Geography has now led the Bush administration to draw closer.

The New York Times

Another 20 minutes, and the lights finally draw closer.

The Guardian

In Norv Turner's second year as coach (2008), Tomlinson could sense the end draw closer.

The New York Times - Sports

Each day a saint comes by to feed the pair & I draw closer the shades.

The New Yorker

Avoiding Risks Energy presents another huge challenge as midterm elections draw closer.

The New York Times

As elections draw closer, Beijing's search for new friends will only intensify.

The Economist

As East and West Germany draw closer, they may indeed want to share a single state.

The Economist

With Carter leading the way, the Nets started to draw closer late in the third quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw closer" to describe both physical and metaphorical approaches, such as the nearing of an event or the development of a relationship.

Common error

While "draw closer" is acceptable, in formal or academic writing, consider using more precise verbs like "approach", "converge", or "approximate" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw closer" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a movement toward a reduced distance or increased proximity. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw closer" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a reduction in distance, both physically and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely used expression. While it's suitable for various contexts, remember to consider the specific tone and audience when choosing between "draw closer" and its alternatives, such as "approach" or "move nearer". Be mindful of potential overuse in formal writing and opt for more precise vocabulary when appropriate. It is commonly used in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come closer

This alternative is very similar but uses a different verb of motion.

get closer

This alternative uses "get" to indicate a change in proximity.

approach

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing on the act of nearing a target.

pull closer

This alternative implies an active action of motion toward something.

move nearer

This alternative emphasizes the physical act of reducing distance.

near

This alternative is more concise, functioning as a verb.

converge

This alternative suggests movement from different directions toward a single point.

close in

This alternative implies surrounding or encroaching.

gather

This alternative implies something that brings closer multiple things.

come up

This alternative indicates motion toward a specific point, often referring to time.

FAQs

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

You can use "draw closer" to describe physical movement, such as "As the ship "drew nearer" to the shore", or metaphorical approaches, such as "As the deadline "approached", the team worked harder."

What are some alternatives to "draw closer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "approach", "move nearer", or "get closer".

Is "draw closer" formal or informal?

"Draw closer" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise verbs might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "draw closer" and "draw near"?

"Draw closer" emphasizes the reducing of distance, while "draw near" simply indicates that something is becoming close. For example, "As the holidays "draw near"" suggests the holidays are approaching, while "They "drew closer" to the fire" suggests they moved to reduce the distance to the fire.