drawn upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"drawn upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a verb phrase meaning to access or use something as a resource. Example: "He drew upon his knowledge of ancient history to answer the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blood cultures, complete blood count and CRP were drawn upon clinical suspicion of sepsis.

BMC Pediatrics

When these reserves of fat are drawn upon, the poison may strike quickly.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Rowlands has drawn upon a real-life case from the 1980s).

The New York Times

Some artists and writers have drawn upon Ovid's description of Orpheus as the pioneer of "pederasty".

The New Yorker

He would like to see it drawn upon when it comes to tackling environmental issues.

The Guardian

"In a state that small, if you're a public figure, you are drawn upon incessantly.

The New York Times

While real data was used, it was never drawn upon in any investigation, the official said.

The New York Times

Designers have always drawn upon their imagination and varied cultural references, so the term is superfluous.

The New York Times

The vegetable realm was drawn upon for flowers, leaves, and fibres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the process, they develop crucial internal resources that can be drawn upon throughout their lives.

The New York Times

The remainder funded a liability trust to be drawn upon in the event of later spills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drawn upon", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being used as a resource. For example, "The author drew upon historical documents" is clearer than "Historical documents were drawn upon."

Common error

Avoid using "drawn upon" in passive constructions where the agent is unclear or missing. This can lead to confusion about who or what is using the resource. Instead, restructure the sentence to explicitly state the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawn upon" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as the past participle of the verb "draw upon". According to Ludwig, it indicates that something has been utilized or used as a source or resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drawn upon" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the utilization of a resource or source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts. It is frequently found in scientific and news media sources, suggesting its application across diverse fields. While generally neutral in register, clarity in sentence construction is crucial to avoid ambiguity. By considering these factors, writers can effectively incorporate "drawn upon" into their writing to convey reliance on specific sources and enhance the credibility of their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilized

Focuses on practical use, often implying efficiency.

exploited

Implies using something to its fullest potential, sometimes with a negative connotation.

tapped into

Suggests accessing a resource or potential that was previously unused.

capitalized on

Emphasizes taking advantage of an opportunity.

leveraged

Implies using something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

made use of

A general term for using something available.

benefited from

Focuses on the positive outcome of using something.

employed

Highlights the act of putting something into service or use.

availed oneself of

A more formal way of saying 'made use of'.

resorted to

Suggests using something as a last option.

FAQs

How can I use "drawn upon" in a sentence?

Use "drawn upon" to indicate that someone or something is using a particular resource or source of information. For example, "The researcher "drew upon" multiple studies to support their hypothesis".

What is a synonym for "drawn upon"?

Synonyms for "drawn upon" include "utilized", "exploited", and "tapped into". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "drawn upon" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "drawn upon" in academic, formal, or professional contexts when you want to emphasize that something is being actively used as a resource. It's particularly useful when indicating the source of information or inspiration.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "drawn upon"?

Avoid using "drawn upon" in contexts where the resource being used is unclear or ambiguous. Also, ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates who or what is doing the drawing upon. Using it passively without specifying the actor can weaken your writing.