drew back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drew back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or emotional retreat or withdrawal from a situation or person. Example: "When she saw the snake, she instinctively drew back in fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Books

Sports

Lifestyle

Film

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Revolted, he drew back.

The New Yorker

He drew back from music.

The New Yorker

Mrs TV drew back.

The Guardian

Then I drew back.

The New York Times - Sports

Then I drew back my arm.

The New Yorker

Kirsten, 18, a college freshman, drew back.

The New York Times

He drew back in surprise.

The New York Times

Viesturs, 40, imperceptibly drew back.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Schneider drew back the curtain.

The New York Times

Winner giggled nervously and drew back.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lenn Gilmore and John Balfanz drew back-to-back walks.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drew back" to clearly convey a sense of physical or emotional retreat, especially when indicating a reaction to something unexpected or undesirable.

Common error

While "drew back" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more precise verbs like "retreated", "receded", or "withdrew" to enhance clarity and sophistication in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drew back" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a movement away from something, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig shows its common use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in describing reactions and retreats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Sports

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, the phrase "drew back" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe a physical or emotional retreat. Its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, academic texts, and literature. Related phrases include "retreated", "withdrew", and "recoiled", each carrying slightly different connotations. While widely applicable, it's advisable to avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives when available. The frequency and diverse source types confirm its common and accepted usage in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retreated

Indicates a physical movement backward or away from something.

withdrew

Implies a deliberate removal or distancing from a situation or commitment.

recoiled

Suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away from something unpleasant or frightening.

backed away

Describes a gradual movement away from a perceived threat or discomfort.

pulled back

Highlights the action of retracting physically or emotionally.

stepped back

Focuses on a change in position, often to gain perspective or avoid involvement.

reconsidered

Implies a change of mind or a decision to not pursue something further.

hesitated

Suggests a pause or reluctance before taking action.

changed course

Indicates a shift in direction or strategy.

took a step back

Similar to 'stepped back', but emphasizes a more considered withdrawal.

FAQs

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

You can use "drew back" to describe a physical retreat (e.g., "She "drew back" from the edge") or an emotional withdrawal (e.g., "He "drew back" from the conversation").

What are some alternatives to "drew back"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "retreated", "withdrew", "recoiled", or "backed away".

Is it correct to say "draw back" instead of "drew back"?

While "draw back" can be used in the present tense or as an infinitive, "drew back" is the past tense form. Use "draw back" when speaking about a general action or future possibility, and "drew back" when describing a past event.

What's the difference between "drew back" and "pulled back"?

"Drew back" often implies a more spontaneous or instinctive reaction, while "pulled back" can suggest a more deliberate or controlled action of retreating or withdrawing something.