draw the authorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw the authorities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of involving or calling upon authorities, such as law enforcement or regulatory bodies, in a situation that requires their attention or intervention. Example: "When the situation escalated, we had no choice but to draw the authorities to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The mayor urged residents to avoid drawing on city resources except for in emergencies, but said people who needed rescuing should raise a white flag to draw the authorities' attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The big question I'd look at down there is, where does the government draw the authority to own and operate a Bureau of Land Management?

Vice

By noon, Detective Spellman's blood was drawn, the authorities said.

The New York Times

The poem at the heart of the indictment, "It's Time," appears to have drawn the authorities' attention for its timing around the Jasmine Revolution controversy.

The New York Times

Last month, a 12-year-old boy confessed to making calls that drew the authorities to the home of the actor Ashton Kutcher and to Mr. Bieber.

The New York Times

"Sounds to me more like the officials were afraid of losing face if 'Confucius' was overshadowed by 'Avatar".' Others speculated that not only was "Confucius" little more than a propaganda tool, but also "Avatar" had probably drawn the authorities' wrath because of its plot's parallels to the mass forced evictions that plague China in the face of rapid development.

The New York Times

Improper disposal of dye-containing wastewaters that cause aesthetic problems concerns not only the scientists, but is now beginning also to draw the public authority's attention and can generate toxic effects to aquatic life.

Applied Water Science

The policies on delegation of authority are important because they draw the lines of authority and accountability to commit or expend funds.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Kirichenko of NTV knows as well as anyone where the authorities draw the line.

The New York Times

Extra scrutiny of their work makes it easier to reject questionable accounting treatments, lest they draw the attention of the authorities.

The Economist

"Atonement" concerns, among other historical phenomena, puritanism in 1935, when an impulsive four-letter word in a man's love letter could draw the attention of the authorities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "involve the authorities" or "alert the authorities" if a more direct or active role of the authorities is implied.

Common error

Avoid using "draw the authorities" in very informal or casual conversations. This phrase often carries a serious or formal tone. In less formal settings, consider using phrases like "get someone involved" or "let them know" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw the authorities" functions as a verb phrase where "draw" acts as a transitive verb, taking "the authorities" as its direct object. This indicates an action that causes authorities to become involved. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw the authorities" signifies causing those in positions of power or legal standing to become involved, and is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig. While not frequently used, it maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "involve the authorities" or "alert the authorities" can provide nuanced substitutions. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the instigating action. The majority of sources using this expression are reputable news outlets, contributing to its overall authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involve the authorities

Emphasizes the act of including authorities in a situation or process.

notify the authorities

Similar to 'alert', but focuses on the formal act of informing authorities.

alert the authorities

Stresses the act of warning or notifying authorities about a situation.

summon the authorities

Highlights the act of calling upon authorities, implying a direct request for their presence or intervention.

call upon the authorities

Implies a formal request for assistance or intervention from authorities.

bring in the authorities

Indicates the act of introducing authorities into a situation, often for investigation or resolution.

attract the attention of authorities

Focuses on the act of gaining the notice of authorities, emphasizing the attraction of attention rather than direct involvement.

appeal to the authorities

Highlights a formal request for help or a decision from authorities.

seek intervention from authorities

Emphasizes the act of actively looking for help or mediation from authorities.

request assistance from authorities

Highlights the formal request for aid or support from those in authority.

FAQs

What does "draw the authorities" mean?

To "draw the authorities" means to cause authorities, such as police or government agencies, to become involved in a situation, often because of something problematic or requiring official attention.

How can I use "draw the authorities" in a sentence?

You might say, "The unusual activity near the building could "attract the attention of authorities"", implying that the activity might cause the police to investigate.

What are some alternatives to "draw the authorities"?

Alternatives include "involve the authorities", "alert the authorities", or "notify the authorities", each varying slightly in connotation and context.

Is "draw the authorities" a formal or informal expression?

"Draw the authorities" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for news reports, official statements, or serious discussions. In casual conversation, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.