draw the blinds

USAGE SUMMARY

This is correct and usable in written English.
It is primarily used to describe the action of closing window blinds or curtains. Example sentence: She drew the blinds in order to block out the light from the afternoon sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

So we have to draw the blinds.

The Guardian - Sport

I draw the blinds and tell her that now the wolf cannot see in.

The New York Times

And why the exhibitionism, the tendency not to draw the blinds?

The New Yorker

I'll draw the blinds, leave the dust and finish my affair with Winter.

The New York Times

If they declined to be photographed, they could close their curtains or draw the blinds.

The New York Times - Arts

"The first thing an American tells us when they come here is draw the blinds," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Marie drew the blinds against the broiling heat.

The New Yorker

She drew the blinds because the light hurt her eyes.

The New Yorker

As the bartenders drew the blinds, the crowd started an enthusiastic countdown — "Three!

The New Yorker

The state tried to kill Lockett for 16 minutes before drawing the blinds to the public witnesses.

The Guardian

Then, officials drew the blinds that separated the viewing room from the execution chamber, shielding the scene from public view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw the blinds" when you want to emphasize a deliberate action taken to block light or prevent someone from seeing inside. For example, "She drew the blinds to create a more intimate atmosphere."

Common error

Ensure you use the correct past tense form of "draw" depending on the context. For example, use "drew" for simple past tense, as in "She drew the blinds," and "drawn" for past participle, as in "The blinds were drawn."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw the blinds" functions as a directive, instructing or describing the action of closing window coverings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, which can be intended literally, for privacy or light control, or metaphorically, for concealment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw the blinds" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of closing window blinds. As noted by Ludwig, it's primarily employed to control light or ensure privacy. This directive phrase is frequently encountered in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. While alternatives such as "close the blinds" or "lower the blinds" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close the blinds

This alternative is a more direct synonym, focusing on the action of shutting the blinds.

lower the blinds

This alternative emphasizes the downward movement of the blinds to block light or view.

shut the blinds

This alternative emphasizes the action of completely closing the blinds.

pull down the blinds

This alternative specifies the action of pulling something down, highlighting the mechanics.

draw the curtains

This alternative uses "curtains" instead of "blinds", referring to a different type of window covering.

close the shutters

This alternative uses "shutters", referring to another type of window covering that provides privacy and light control.

block the light

This alternative focuses on the purpose of drawing the blinds: to prevent light from entering.

obscure the window

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the act of covering the window.

screen the window

This alternative focuses on the act of screening or shielding the window from view.

cover the window

This alternative describes broadly covering the window from view, either from inside or outside the space.

FAQs

What does "draw the blinds" mean?

The phrase "draw the blinds" means to close the window blinds, typically to block out light or prevent people from seeing inside.

What can I say instead of "draw the blinds"?

You can use alternatives like "close the blinds", "lower the blinds", or "shut the blinds" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "draw the blinds" or "close the blinds"?

Both "draw the blinds" and "close the blinds" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or regional dialect.

When is it appropriate to "draw the blinds"?

It's appropriate to "draw the blinds" when you want to reduce light in a room, maintain privacy, or create a more intimate or secluded atmosphere.