draw up a list

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw up a list" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of creating a list, for example: "If you want to keep track of your tasks, I recommend that you draw up a list."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We draw up a list of similarly insane gripes.

The Guardian - Travel

"I actually had my son draw up a list of spells he thought would be good," Dr. Marx said.

The New York Times - Tech

Could he draw up a list of them, I asked?

The Economist

Previously, it was up to each state to draw up a list of its own.

The Economist

My plan is to draw up a list of life's absolute essentials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her job was to draw up a list of books to accompany the queen.

The New York Times - Books

It is easy to draw up a list of substantial criticisms.

The New York Times

Mr. Duncan and his crew are more likely to draw up a list heavy with one-time sources of money.

The New York Times

Mr Clarke, who already enjoys wide powers to exclude troublemakers, promises to draw up a list of "unacceptable behaviours".

The Economist

So he asked bankers at Credit Suisse, the big Swiss bank, to draw up a list of investment ideas.

The New York Times

He persuaded a bunch of economists, including three Nobel laureates, to draw up a list of priorities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw up a list", consider the level of formality required for your audience. While it is acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "compile a list".

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when using the phrase. For example, do not start with "draw up a list" (present tense) and then switch to "was created" (past tense) without a clear reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw up a list" functions as a phrasal verb, where 'draw up' acts as the verb and 'a list' is the direct object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw up a list" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrasal verb that describes the process of creating a list, often with a degree of planning and forethought. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, confirming its versatility. While variations like "compile a list" or "create a list" exist, "draw up a list" holds its own as a reliable and effective option, particularly in neutral to professional contexts. Remember to maintain consistent tense and adapt your choice to suit the specific audience and purpose. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare a list

Highlights the preparatory aspect of creating the list.

draft a list

Implies creating a preliminary version of a list.

compile a list

Focuses more on gathering items from different sources to form a list.

create a list

A more general term for making a list, lacking the preparation nuance.

make a list

A basic and widely understood way of saying to create a list.

formulate a list

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate creation of a list.

put together a list

Suggests assembling a list from various components.

develop a list

Suggests a more gradual and detailed process of creating a list.

itemize

Focuses on listing items individually, often with details.

catalogue

Implies a more extensive and organized list, often with descriptions.

FAQs

How can I use "draw up a list" in a sentence?

You can use "draw up a list" to describe the act of creating a list, as in: "The committee was asked to draw up a list of potential candidates." It implies careful consideration and preparation.

What are some alternatives to "draw up a list"?

Alternatives include "compile a list", "create a list", or "prepare a list". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "draw up a list" or simply "make a list"?

"Draw up a list" implies a more formal and deliberate process of creation, while "make a list" is more general. Use "draw up" when the list requires careful thought or planning.

What is the difference between "draw up a list" and "write down a list"?

"Draw up a list" suggests a more structured and organized approach to creating a list, whereas "write down a list" simply means to record items, possibly in a less organized manner.