draw closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw closer to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the idea of becoming nearer to someone or something, either physically or emotionally. Example: "As the years went by, they began to draw closer to each other, sharing their dreams and fears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The crisis continues to draw closer to outright confrontation between Chad and Sudan.

The New York Times

Some want to draw closer to Russia, others to the West.

The New York Times

Blücher marched southward via Châlons across the French rear to draw closer to Schwarzenberg.

Britannica

And that's where she starts to draw closer to the man than any previous attempt.

The New York Times - Books

They have seen ethnic supporters who backed them during the conflict drift away as they draw closer to national power.

The Economist

As a practical matter, that delay has allowed some potential violations to draw closer to expiration under statutes of limitation.

The New York Times

Probably a hundred people are on our boat, and as we draw closer to land, the deck grows crowded.

The New York Times

As we draw closer to the fiscal cliff deadline, those panicked CEOs could stop spending and hiring.

The Guardian

Updated at 5.11pm BST 5.01pm BST Light rain falling as we draw closer to the ghost town of Grafton.

The Guardian - Travel

He will also draw closer to a unique record: no player has won successive European Cups with different teams.

The Guardian - Sport

America would back Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation next year, and would help Russia draw closer to the G7 group of rich and powerful countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw closer to", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, whether physical proximity, emotional connection, or progress toward a goal. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "get closer to" or "move nearer to" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "draw closer to" when a more specific term would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "They draw closer to an agreement", consider "They reach an agreement" for directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "draw closer to" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating a process of approaching or becoming nearer. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, ranging from physical proximity to emotional connection and progress towards abstract goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "draw closer to" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates approaching or becoming nearer, whether physically, emotionally, or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, its usage should be tailored to the specific nuance intended. Alternatives such as "get closer to" or "move nearer to" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Its prevalence in reputable news sources and academic publications underscores its acceptance and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get closer to

A more informal and general way of expressing nearness, both physical and emotional.

move nearer to

Focuses on physical proximity or progress towards a goal.

approach

Emphasizes the act of coming nearer in distance or time.

gravitate toward

Implies a natural tendency or attraction towards something or someone.

converge on

Implies multiple entities coming together at a single point.

become more intimate with

Suggests a deepening of emotional or personal connection.

build rapport with

Focuses on establishing a connection and understanding with someone.

foster connection with

Highlights the act of nurturing a bond or relationship.

tend towards

Suggests a drift or inclination in a specific direction or state.

cultivate intimacy with

Emphasizes developing a deep and personal relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "draw closer to" to describe physical movement, emotional connection, or progress toward a goal. For example, "As the deadline approached, the team members began to "work more closely" together" or "During the retreat, the participants sought to "grow closer to" nature".

What are some alternatives to "draw closer to"?

Alternatives include "get closer to", "move nearer to", "approach", or "converge on", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "draw closer to" formal or informal?

"Draw closer to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "get closer to" may be more suitable for informal settings.

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

"Draw closer to" and "draw near to" are very similar, both suggesting an approach in distance or time. "Draw closer to" is more common in contemporary usage, while "draw near to" may sound slightly more archaic or formal.