drawn up close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drawn up close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is positioned or pulled near to something else, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The curtains were drawn up close, blocking out the light from the outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Her Majesty was loudly cheered as she entered the Royal carriage, which was drawn up close to the platform.

The Economist

Cars were drawn up close to the court, doors open, pumping out a heavy urban beat into the sultry air.

The Economist

A very large younger woman was sitting in a wheelchair drawn up close to one end of the couch and a little in front of it.

The New Yorker

The simplification of the human figure was carried to its ultimate in the block statue, a uniquely Egyptian type that represents the subject squatting on the ground with knees drawn up close to his body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are the troops at Tarawa, "slaughtered in enemy fire dense as bees," and Bowman's uncle, a New Jersey restaurant owner who "had taught himself to play the piano and would sit in happiness, drawn up close to the keyboard with his thick fingers, their backs richly haired, nimble on the keys".

The New York Times - Books

This consists of 1 purled stitch, 1 purl, (all the purl of this circle are three-tenths of an inch long. They are covered with six beads, which must be drawn up close together before working the purl), 12 double divided by 1 purl.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Philopoemen effected many gallant things with his own hand, but Titus none; so much so that one Archedemus, an Aetolian, made it a jest against him that while he, the Aetolian, was running with his drawn sword, where he saw the Macedonians drawn up closest and fighting hardest, Titus was standing still, and with hands stretched out to heaven, praying to the gods for aid.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nicola arrives from London, and presents Charlie with a plan for the factory that her boss has drawn up: closing it and converting it into condominiums.

Wikipedia

Antigonus drew up close by him, with a resolution to force him in his strength.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The cyclist's challenge is to grab the driver's attention in the few glances he gives to the nearside". In our video, the "bike lane" is more visible when the car draws up close to the bike - but we were filming from the passenger seat, not the driver's position.

The Guardian

A quick internet search for "coffee grounds + plants" will draw up close to four million hits, with consistent claims they can add essential minerals to the soil, boost populations of friendly soil bacteria and even reduce the pH of growing media for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drawn up close" to describe the deliberate positioning of something or someone in physical or metaphorical proximity, creating a sense of intimacy or urgency.

Common error

While "drawn up close" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawn up close" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of positioning something or someone in close proximity. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drawn up close" is a grammatically correct and usable phrasal verb indicating nearness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing physical or metaphorical proximity. While its register is mostly neutral, the phrase finds frequent use in news media, encyclopedias, wiki, academia, formal & business and science contexts. The related phrases offer various shades of meaning, allowing writers to select the most fitting term for their specific intent. The phrase is acceptable but consider alternative options for highly formal writing. The use of this phrase is uncommon, so it's important to consider the context before using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved closer

Highlights the change in proximity and suggests a gradual shift in position.

came closer

Similar to 'moved closer' but emphasizes the arrival at a closer position from a starting point.

brought near

Focuses on the action of reducing distance; less specific regarding the manner of movement.

pulled in tight

Emphasizes the act of pulling something to make it secure or compact; suggests a firmer action.

positioned nearby

Indicates a deliberate placement in proximity, emphasizing the spatial arrangement.

advanced toward

Emphasizes a forward movement to reduce space between elements, useful in contexts of strategic or tactical positioning.

arranged closely

Highlights a careful arrangement, particularly suitable when multiple items are involved.

edged nearer

Implies a cautious and subtle progression closer to something else, suggesting delicacy or a cautious approach.

approached intimately

Suggests a deeper or more personal nearness, suitable in contexts involving emotional or personal closeness.

shuffled nearer

Suggests a slight adjustment in position to become closer, especially when making minor positional corrections.

FAQs

How can I use "drawn up close" in a sentence?

You can use "drawn up close" to describe a physical proximity, as in "The chairs were drawn up close to the fireplace", or a metaphorical closeness, as in "The allies drew up close to finalize their strategy".

What phrases are similar to "drawn up close"?

Similar phrases include "brought near", "moved closer", or "pulled in tight", depending on the specific context.

Is "drawn up close" formal or informal?

"Drawn up close" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in most contexts, consider a more precise term for highly formal or technical writing.

How does "drawn up close" differ from "approached intimately"?

"Drawn up close" primarily describes physical proximity. "Approached intimately" suggests a deeper, more personal connection, implying emotional or personal nearness.