draw up a contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw up a contract" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when someone is asking another person to create (“draw up”) a legally binding agreement (“a contract”). Example: "We need to draw up a contract to formalize the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In this scene, Kean and Lissa draw up a contract.

The New York Times

They should also be quick to draw up a contract.

The New York Times

They will, for example, release details of the deeds to your buyer's solicitors and draw up a contract of sale.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Hardie explained to them how to collect a deposit and give a written estimate, how to draw up a contract and how to legally cancel one.

The New York Times

The website does, however, encourage landlords to draw up a contract with lodgers since there are no statutory rules governing this area.

Independent

It is illegal for anyone besides a lawyer to draw up a contract for the sale and purchase of property, Mr. Smithers said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Almost every gig is a bit of give and take, like drawing up a contract.

The Guardian

For instance, a Polish company drawing up a contract with a Chinese customer will see that contract employ English law.

The Guardian

I am as big a proponent of mediation as anyone, and serve regularly as a mediator, but as an attorney advising a party drawing up a contract, I am reluctant to suggest mandatory arbitration or even mediation clauses.

Harvard University

However, the potential for a gift tax could be avoided, he said, by initially drawing up a contract that assigns any future increase in value to the adult child.

The New York Times

When he draws up a contract with Miramax, he has his lawyer include an unusual provision that secures him all the rights to the characters in the future, so that nobody can use them — for sequels or spinoffs or marketing or anything else — without his permission, and so that he can use them again himself in a movie whenever he likes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw up a contract", clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved to ensure the agreement is comprehensive and legally sound.

Common error

Ensure all essential elements such as payment terms, termination clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms are included in the contract to avoid future conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw up a contract" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating or drafting a formal agreement. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draw up a contract" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the creation of a formal agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide acceptance. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it's also relevant in Formal & Business settings. Remember to include all essential clauses when "drafting a contract" to avoid future disputes. Whether you're "preparing a contract" or "formulating a contract", clarity and completeness are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a contract

Focuses on the initial writing process of the contract.

prepare a contract

Emphasizes the readiness and arrangement of the contract.

formulate a contract

Highlights the systematic and detailed creation of the contract.

create a contract

Stresses the act of bringing a new contract into existence.

write a contract

Highlights the act of composing the contract's text.

develop a contract

Suggests a more elaborate and iterative process of contract creation.

compose a contract

Implies a careful and artistic approach to writing the contract.

establish a contract

Focuses on the formal setting up and validation of the contract.

execute a contract

Emphasizes the formal signing and implementation of the contract.

negotiate a contract

Highlights the bargaining and discussion involved in the contract's creation.

FAQs

How to use "draw up a contract" in a sentence?

You can use "draw up a contract" in a sentence like: "The company needs to "draw up a contract" with the new supplier."

What can I say instead of "draw up a contract"?

You can use alternatives like "draft a contract", "prepare a contract", or "formulate a contract" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "draw up a contract" or "drawing up a contract"?

"Draw up a contract" is an instruction or general statement. "Drawing up a contract" is a continuous action, as in "Drawing up a contract is a crucial step in formalizing our agreement".

What's the difference between "draw up a contract" and "sign a contract"?

"Draw up a contract" refers to the process of creating and drafting the agreement, while "sign a contract" means to formally approve and make the contract legally binding by adding your signature.