drew a blank

USAGE SUMMARY

'drew a blank' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when someone is unable to recall or think of something they need to say or do. Example sentence: After being asked to name the capital of France, the student drew a blank.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I drew a blank.

The New York Times

He drew a blank.

The New Yorker

Mostly, he drew a blank.

The New Yorker

Nordstrom, however, drew a blank.

The New York Times

This drew a blank.

The New Yorker

For a moment, she drew a blank.

The New York Times

But they drew a blank.

The New York Times

De La Hoya drew a blank.

The New York Times - Sports

I drew a blank on Meffen.

The Guardian - Film

Similarly, I drew a blank with the synthetic fiber ARNEL.

The New York Times

Tony McCoy drew a blank at the Devon venue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "couldn't recall" or "came up empty" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "drew a blank" in literal contexts related to drawing or filling in forms. The phrase is specifically used to indicate a failure to remember or find something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drew a blank" functions as an idiomatic expression, signifying a sudden inability to recall something or an unsuccessful attempt to find information. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is widely accepted and accurately conveys its intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drew a blank" is a common idiom used to express a sudden inability to remember something or a failure to find something, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this expression functions effectively across different registers, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for broad communication. When writing, remember that "drew a blank" is not literal; it's an idiomatic expression related to memory and search failures. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "couldn't recall" or "came up empty" to avoid repetition. While generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings, direct synonyms might be more appropriate in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couldn't recall

Focuses on the inability to remember something.

failed to remember

Emphasizes the failure in the act of remembering.

had a memory lapse

Highlights a temporary loss of memory.

came up empty

Suggests a lack of success in a search or attempt.

found nothing

Indicates an unsuccessful search or investigation.

didn't get anywhere

Implies a lack of progress or success.

hit a wall

Suggests encountering an obstacle that prevents further progress or recollection.

reached a dead end

Similar to "hit a wall", implying a point where no further progress is possible.

met with failure

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcome of an attempt.

was unsuccessful

Simply states the lack of success.

FAQs

How can I use "drew a blank" in a sentence?

You can use "drew a blank" to describe a situation where someone cannot remember something or fails to find something. For example, "When asked about her childhood, she drew a blank".

What are some alternatives to saying "drew a blank"?

Some alternatives include "couldn't recall", "failed to remember", or "came up empty", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "drew a blank" in formal writing?

Yes, "drew a blank" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more direct synonym like "failed to recall".

What's the difference between "drew a blank" and "couldn't remember"?

While both phrases indicate a failure to recall something, "drew a blank" is an idiomatic expression that often implies a sudden or unexpected inability to remember. "Couldn't remember" is a more direct and literal way of expressing the same idea.