draw it down

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw it down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical action of pulling or reaching down towards something. For example, "He needed to reach something off the top shelf, so he stood on his toes and drew it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"My intention is to never draw it down," he said.

The New York Times

If they draw it down, they will pay tax at the marginal rate.

The Economist

"We have to make sure as they draw it down that this is done in the most environmentally appropriate manner," he said.

The New York Times

"Most of the remaining $22 billion was drawn down by the state governments without any particular projects to spend it on, just on the basis of, there's money sitting in the accounts, lets draw it down".

The New York Times

The main beneficiaries of this will be those who have built up relatively large pension pots, who will be using this freedom to avoid paying 40% tax when they draw it down under the new freedoms.

The Guardian - Money

For example, someone aged 55 or above could use their "additional voluntary contribution" scheme at work to maximise their payments into their pension – and then draw it down a year later, with 25% of it tax free.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In 2001, the group doubled its line of credit to $12 million and quickly drew it down by $10 million.

The New York Times

Drawing it down to minimise tax is top of their minds.

The Guardian - Money

The fingers curled around the blanket's edge, and drew it down.

The New Yorker

Obama doubled and then tripled the number, and then drew it down to about where he started.

The New Yorker

Now you're free to use the money as a bank account, drawing it down as and when you want.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, especially in engineering or design, consider "draw it down" when describing the process of reducing a value or level systematically.

Common error

Avoid using "draw it down" when a more direct verb like "reduce" or "withdraw" would be clearer. "Draw it down" often implies a deliberate or managed decrease, not just any reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw it down" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'draw' with the particle 'down' to create a meaning different from the individual words. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw it down" is a versatile phrasal verb that generally means to gradually reduce something or to physically pull something downwards. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, primarily in news, media, and wiki environments. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context and audience, opting for more precise or formal language like "reduce" or "withdraw" in academic or professional settings. Remember to use it to suggest a managed and intentional decrease, whether it applies to finances, levels, or physical objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw it

Focuses specifically on the act of taking something back or away, typically money or resources.

deplete it

Emphasizes the reduction of something to a significant degree.

reduce it

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less.

take it out

Similar to withdraw, but can apply to a broader range of contexts.

bring it lower

Suggests a physical action of lowering something.

pull it downward

Focuses on a physical action of pulling something towards a lower position.

sketch it

Refers specifically to creating a drawing in a quick, rough manner.

complete the drawing

Highlights the action of finishing a drawing.

outline it

Suggests creating the basic structure of a drawing.

delineate it

Emphasizes the act of marking or defining the boundaries of something, related to drawing in a formal sense.

FAQs

What does "draw it down" mean?

The phrase "draw it down" can refer to gradually withdrawing something, like money from an account, or physically pulling something downwards. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "draw it down" when referring to finances?

When referring to finances, you can use alternatives like "withdraw it", "deplete it", or "take it out", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "draw it down" appropriate for formal writing?

While "draw it down" is grammatically correct, it might be better suited for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "reduce" or "withdraw" for clarity.

How does "draw it down" differ from "bring it lower"?

"Draw it down" often suggests a controlled or gradual process, while "bring it lower" typically refers to a direct physical action of making something descend.