draw to a close

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw to a close" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to signify that something is ending or concluding. For example: "We could feel the meeting drawing to a close as the final discussion topic wrapped up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I'll now draw to a close what has been an enjoyable and informative debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The weeklong loya jirga will draw to a close in the next two days.

The New York Times

As the rush period begins to draw to a close, we host more intimate events that are invitation-only.

Columbia University

When recent boom years inevitably draw to a close, homeowners will have a hard time adjusting their demands downward.

Harvard University

Thus, officials were coalescing around the idea that QE would draw to a close around year end.

The Economist

On May 2nd, however, the country's era of carefree internet surfing began finally to draw to a close.

The Economist

In 2015, the UN's Millennium Development Goals, the organisation's principal framework for eliminating poverty worldwide, will draw to a close.

The Guardian

But with trains due to start running in 2018, opportunities on the project will draw to a close.

The Guardian

At the end of the 2020s, the Fourth Turning crisis era will climax and draw to a close.

The Washington Post

Or catching the scent of the white jasmine, just going over as summer begins to draw to a close.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Presidential Task Force on Campus Climate is continuing its campus outreach, evaluations and other efforts as the spring semester begins to draw to a close.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, avoid similar phrases and maintain consistent voice throughout.

Common error

Don't use "draw to a close" if you mean to convey a sudden or forced stop. This phrase implies a gentle winding down, not an abrupt halt. Use alternatives such as "halt", "cease", or "terminate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw to a close" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the gradual termination or conclusion of an event, period, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with numerous examples demonstrating its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw to a close" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that signifies the gradual ending of an event, period, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in news, academic, and formal business contexts underscores its versatility. While suitable for various registers, it implies a gentle and natural conclusion. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like ""come to an end"" or ""reach its conclusion"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to an end

Focuses on the termination itself rather than the process of ending.

reach its conclusion

Emphasizes the final point or outcome of an event or process.

approach its end

Highlights the proximity to the final stage or termination.

near completion

Implies that the activity is almost finished and ready for closure.

wind down

Suggests a gradual reduction in activity before stopping completely.

taper off

Implies a gradual decrease in intensity or activity leading to the end.

conclude

A more formal and direct way of stating that something is ending.

finish up

Indicates the completion of a task or activity, often in an informal context.

terminate

A formal term for bringing something to an official end.

cease

A formal and absolute way of stating that something stops.

FAQs

How can I use "draw to a close" in a sentence?

You can use "draw to a close" to describe the end of an event, period, or process. For example, "As the conference began to "wind down", attendees exchanged contact information" or "The summer season will soon "come to an end".".

What are some alternatives to "draw to a close"?

Some alternatives include "come to an end", "reach its conclusion", "approach its end", or "near completion". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "draw to a close" in formal writing?

Yes, "draw to a close" is suitable for formal writing, but there are more formal options available. Depending on the intended tone, "conclude" or "terminate" might be more fitting in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "draw to a close" and "come to an end"?

"Draw to a close" suggests a more gradual and natural ending process, while ""come to an end"" can imply a more abrupt or definite finish. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process of ending or the final state.