draw near

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw near" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean "come close/near/toward," or "approach," or "gather around." For example, you could say, "The crowd drew near to see the dramatic conclusion to the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The two vehicles draw near and stop.

The Guardian

:-) [email protected] JEFFREY TOOBIN: Draw near and give your attention.

The New Yorker

Good friends, draw near and lend a hand.

The New Yorker

To draw near is to hear Mozart's Requiem.

The New York Times - Arts

When elections draw near, he gripes, they stop making laws and start grandstanding.

The Economist

QUESTION FROM JEFF PARSONS: You should admonish everyone to draw near and give their attention.

The New Yorker

As the primaries draw near, will voters learn more about Mr Giuliani and reject him?

The Economist

Sling another carousel on the fire and draw near, for these are dark days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So capacious and full of territories, containing innumerable repositories of delight when we draw near!

The Guardian

All the while Mr. Tynan's large hands beckon the audience to draw near and listen to his gift.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, the Yankees expect to draw near-sellout crowds Wednesday and Thursday, when the series with the Mets moves to the Bronx.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw near" when you want to create a sense of anticipation or invitation, especially in formal or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "draw near" in very informal or casual conversations, as it might sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "come closer" or "approach" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw near" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of approaching or coming closer. As shown by Ludwig, it can be used both literally, to describe physical movement, and figuratively, to suggest the approach of an event or a state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw near" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb that means to approach or come closer, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts, and carries a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where a sense of anticipation or invitation is desired. As shown by Ludwig, avoid using "draw near" in very informal settings. Consider alternatives like "come closer" or "approach" for more casual conversations. The phrase is frequently used in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approach

Single word substitution, simplifying the phrasal verb.

come closer

Replaces "draw" with "come", emphasizing the act of moving closer.

move toward

Highlights the direction of movement.

advance

Suggests a more formal or strategic approach.

get close

Focuses on achieving proximity.

near

A shorter, more direct synonym.

come nigh

An archaic or literary alternative.

converge

Implies multiple entities approaching a single point.

edge closer

Suggests a slow, cautious approach.

close in

Implies surrounding or encompassing while approaching.

FAQs

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

You can use "draw near" to describe something approaching, as in "As the deadline "draws near", the pressure increases", or to invite someone closer, such as "Draw near and listen to the story".

What's a more casual way to say "draw near"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative to "draw near", consider using phrases like "come closer", "get closer", or simply "approach".

Is "draw near" appropriate for all types of writing?

While "draw near" is grammatically correct, it is best suited for formal writing, literary contexts, or situations where a sense of ceremony or anticipation is desired. In casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "draw near" and "approach"?

"Draw near" often carries a sense of invitation or anticipation, while "approach" is a more neutral term for getting closer. "Draw near" might also imply a figurative or emotional closeness in some contexts.