draw gasps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw gasps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that causes surprise or shock, eliciting a reaction of gasping from an audience. Example: "The magician's final trick was so astonishing that it drew gasps from everyone in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The act never fails to draw gasps and cheers.

The New York Times

Every member would hate to hear the message, and the prescription would draw gasps and cries of disbelief from residents at the meeting later that night.

The Washington Post

There are surprises too, one startling enough to draw gasps from the audience, suggesting that Cahill's organic instinct for cinema may yet yield greatness.

The Guardian - Film

In that space and in others that still draw gasps, you can sense the kind of ambitions that lay behind the building.

The New York Times - Arts

Most brokers are well aware of what's against the law when it comes to race, religion and sex, Mr. Garfinkel said, but the laws on family status and occupation often draw gasps of surprise from brokers at his seminars.

The New York Times

A different time and a different place, though, do not always lend a different perspective to events and Belu expands a promised 10-minute conversation to more than half an hour, retelling the story passionately, while eight young, narrow-hipped, Romanian gymnasts perform warm-up routines that draw gasps for the ease of their athleticism.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Her comparison drew gasps and angry retorts.

The New York Times

The verdict drew gasps from the room.

The Guardian - Sport

Halfpenny's missed conversion drew gasps from the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

The piece, silly but ingenious, drew gasps and laughter in equal measure.

The New Yorker

He was challenging the concept of tempting fate, but the remark drew gasps.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "elicit gasps" or "provoke gasps" for variety and to fine-tune the connotation of the reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "draw gasps" for mildly surprising situations. The phrase is best suited for moments of significant shock, awe, or surprise, not for everyday occurrences. Ensure the context warrants such a strong reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw gasps" functions as a verb phrase, where "draw" acts as a transitive verb taking "gasps" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of causing or eliciting a sudden intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or awe. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe reactions to surprising performances or dramatic events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

12%

Film

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw gasps" is an idiom that describes the action of causing a sudden intake of breath, typically due to surprise, shock, or awe. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively highlights the impact of events on audiences. While synonyms like "elicit gasps" and "provoke gasps" offer slight variations in meaning, it’s important to avoid using the phrase in situations where the reaction is only mildly surprising. The examples curated by Ludwig showcase its use in describing dramatic moments, like a magician's act or a surprising revelation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit gasps

Focuses on causing the reaction rather than simply attracting it.

provoke gasps

Emphasizes a stronger, more intentional instigation of the gasp.

cause gasps

A more direct and straightforward way to express the action resulting in gasps.

generate gasps

Suggests a more active and generative process leading to the reaction.

inspire gasps

Implies that gasps are a result of something awe-inspiring or impressive.

prompt a gasp

Singularizes the reaction, focusing on a single instance of gasping.

bring gasps

Highlights the arrival or occurrence of gasps as a consequence.

result in gasps

Indicates that gasps are the outcome or consequence of something.

spark gasps

Suggests a sudden and immediate reaction of gasping.

occasion gasps

Describes something that creates an opportunity or reason for gasps.

FAQs

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

Use "draw gasps" to describe a situation or event that causes a sudden intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or amazement. For example: "The magician's final act "drew gasps" from the audience."

What are some alternatives to saying "draw gasps"?

You can use alternatives such as "elicit gasps", "provoke gasps", or "cause gasps" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "drawing gasps" instead of "draw gasps"?

Yes, "drawing gasps" is the present participle form and can be used when describing an ongoing action. For example: "The acrobat, "drawing gasps" with each daring move, continued the performance."

What's the difference between "draw gasps" and "draw sighs"?

"Draw gasps" implies a reaction of surprise or shock, while "draw sighs" suggests a reaction of relief, sadness, or longing. The choice depends on the specific emotional response you want to describe.