draws closely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draws closely on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is heavily influenced by or relies on another source or idea. Example: "The author's latest novel draws closely on her personal experiences growing up in a small town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "Velvet Brown," a work in progress, she draws closely on the personal histories of her performers (who include the equally magnetic Ms. Lieber) to investigate feelings of inhibition and shame.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A scene might draw closely on lived experience, but a reader can't presume and the author doesn't have to tell.

The New Yorker

He had drawn closely on aspects of his own life: an alcoholic brother, an actor father and above all a mother sinking back into morphine addiction.

The Guardian

Jong has always drawn closely on her own life in her novels: too closely, sometimes (in 2008, her sister stood up at an academic conference and announced that Fear of Flying had been a thorn in her flesh for 35 years).

The Guardian - Books

It is clear that Toíbín has drawn closely on his own mother's story for Nora Webster: presumably he made his young self into Donal, Nora's third child, the moody incommunicative boy who stammers and sees the world through his camera.

The Guardian - Books

Partly because the play draws so closely on the author's own experience.

The Guardian

We want to draw more closely on the expertise of the farming industry to ensure our welfare codes reflect the very latest scientific and veterinary developments.

The Guardian

Problems are created, however, by the fact that the scriptures on which the Shri Vaishnavas draw closely associate Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi.

SEP

Draw one online or draw one on paper.

WikiHow

The model is based on a convergence of evidence from a number of closely related disciplines and draws heavily on the findings of cognitive scientists, applied learning theorists, and epistemologists as well as historians and philosophers of science.

Teaching Science for Understanding A Human Constructivist View

Rudman can also draw on the closely guarded, cutting-edge sled technology of partner Kristan Bromley - known as Dr Ice - who goes in the men's race.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "relies heavily upon" or "is strongly influenced by" if you want to vary your language or emphasize the degree of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "draws closely on" if the connection is superficial or tenuous. This phrase implies a substantial and direct influence, so choose a different expression if the relationship is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draws closely on" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject relies significantly on or is heavily influenced by something else. Ludwig confirms this usage by presenting examples where authors or creators base their work on real-life events or personal histories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draws closely on" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to indicate that something is significantly influenced or based on another source. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for describing relationships of influence. While suitable for neutral to professional registers, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. Consider using synonyms such as "relies heavily upon" or "is strongly influenced by" for variety, but avoid overstating the degree of influence. This phrase suggests a more direct and substantial reliance on a source, and it's important to note the usage patterns based on source categories to ensure proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is largely based on

Indicates that something is fundamentally constructed upon another.

is strongly influenced by

Highlights the impact of something on the subject.

derives significantly from

Highlights the origin and extraction of elements.

relies heavily upon

Emphasizes dependence more strongly than the original phrase.

is substantially informed by

Suggests that knowledge or understanding shapes something.

is deeply rooted in

Suggests a fundamental connection and origin.

takes inspiration from

Focuses on the creative influence of something.

builds upon the foundation of

Implies a sequential development from an existing base.

borrows extensively from

Implies direct adoption and incorporation of elements.

extracts considerably from

Suggests the selective removal and utilization of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "draws closely on" in a sentence?

You can use "draws closely on" to indicate that something is heavily influenced by or relies on another source. For example, "The movie "draws closely on" historical events for its plot."

What's a good alternative to "draws closely on"?

Alternatives to "draws closely on" include "relies heavily upon", "is strongly influenced by", or "is largely based on".

Is it appropriate to use "draws closely on" in formal writing?

Yes, "draws closely on" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing academic research, historical analysis, or artistic influences.

What is the difference between "draws closely on" and "is inspired by"?

"Draws closely on" suggests a more direct and substantial reliance on a source, while "is inspired by" implies a more general influence that may not be as direct or comprehensive.