draw up a draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw up a draft" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the outline or initial version of any document. For example: "We are having difficulty reaching an agreement on this contract, so let's draw up a draft and go from there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It also has to draw up a draft contract for the pilot providers because it will be responsible for compliance.

The Guardian

Powell, Scarlett, and Campbell were among a group of officials who went into another office to draw up a draft.

The New Yorker

Observer editors and reporters would draw up a draft, placing Mr. Trump somewhere insufficiently high in Mr. Kushner's mind, according to several people who have been involved in creating the lists.

The New York Times

Officers can sit around a table and hotly debate an issue but, at the end of the day, someone has to be assigned to draw up a draft that is designed to reflect the mainstream consensus.

The Economist

The goal, the official said, would be to draw up a draft that would not be vetoed by France, China or Russia, the three members of the Security Council that have expressed the most doubts about any attack on Iraq.

The New York Times

Following James' lead, Kato had a lawyer draw up a draft suit with allegations about illegal drugs, spiked drinks and hookers.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A parliamentary committee meant to be drawing up a draft has done such groundbreaking things as inviting the Greek Orthodox patriarch, Bartholemew I, to air his views.

The Economist

The Kurds have already drawn up a draft constituion for a federal Iraq, the idea of which has got the basic support of the other opposition groups that matter.

The Guardian

Draw up a draft-day cheat sheet.

WikiHow

Stuart's experience in drawing up a draft EU constitution converted her from a broadly Europhile outlook to the more sceptical one of her husband.

Independent

Sun publisher News International, Telegraph Media Group, Associated Newspapers – which owns the Daily Mail – Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers have drawn up a draft alternative royal charter, which will be put to the privy council later on Thursday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw up a draft", ensure the context clearly indicates that the draft is not the final version and is subject to change. It's useful for showing progress or inviting feedback.

Common error

Avoid treating a "draft" as if it's nearly complete. Emphasize its preliminary nature and the possibility for significant revisions to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "draw up a draft" is as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of creating a preliminary version of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw up a draft" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that means to create a preliminary version of a document or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action in the early stages of a project. While versatile, consider alternatives like "prepare a preliminary version" or "develop an initial outline" based on the specific context to improve impact or accuracy. Keep in mind that it is a draft and not a final version of a document.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a preliminary outline

Replaces "draw up" with "draft" but keeps "preliminary outline" to show is not the final version.

prepare a preliminary version

Focuses on the preparation of an initial version, emphasizing the stage of development.

create a first version

Highlights the act of making the initial version of a document or plan.

develop an initial outline

Emphasizes the development of a structured overview at the start.

formulate a tentative plan

Suggests the creation of a plan that is not yet finalized or firm.

put together a rough sketch

Implies assembling a basic, unrefined outline.

compose an initial design

Uses "compose" and "design" to suggest a creative or structured formulation.

write a first iteration

Highlights the writing of a first version, often in a context of repeated refinement.

lay out a basic framework

Focuses on establishing a fundamental structure or skeleton.

establish a provisional document

Emphasizes the temporary and conditional nature of the document.

FAQs

What does "draw up a draft" mean?

The phrase "draw up a draft" means to create an initial or preliminary version of a document, plan, or proposal. It implies that the document is not yet final and is subject to revision.

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

You can use "draw up a draft" in a sentence like this: "The committee will "draw up a draft" proposal for the new policy."

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

You can use alternatives like "prepare a preliminary version", "create a first version", or "develop an initial outline" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it's perfectly appropriate. The phrase is suitable for professional, neutral, and even academic contexts as it clearly communicates the preliminary nature of a document.