drew to a close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drew to a close" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the end of a period or event. For example, "The long day of meetings finally drew to a close and everyone left the office feeling exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finally the tournament drew to a close.

The New Yorker

The interview drew to a close.

The New Yorker

The hour drew to a close.

The New York Times - Magazine

As the debate drew to a close, Twitter took stock.

The New Yorker

As the 70s drew to a close, the rivalries intensified.

The Guardian - Music

(The trial drew to a close last week).

The New Yorker

Momentum built as August drew to a close.

The New York Times

As 2012 drew to a close, the city and the UFT were indeed deadlocked.

Harvard University

England appeared to grow weary as the first half drew to a close.

The New York Times

Suddenly, the music drew to a close, and Foote was left alone.

The New Yorker

"Bless you and your big heart," said one interviewee as their chat drew to a close.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drew to a close" to describe the gradual ending of events, periods, or processes where a sense of culmination is desired. For example, "As the conference drew to a close, attendees reflected on the valuable insights gained."

Common error

While "drew to a close" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its slightly formal tone. In very casual settings, consider simpler alternatives like "ended" or "finished" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drew to a close" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination or conclusion of an event, period, or activity. It describes the process of something ending gradually, as Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drew to a close" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the end of an event, period, or process. As validated by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While slightly formal, its meaning is clear and widely understood. Consider alternatives like "came to an end" or "ended" for more casual contexts. When employing "drew to a close", aim to describe a gradual and natural ending, providing a sense of completion or closure to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came to an end

Focuses on the termination aspect, replacing the more gradual "drew" with a definitive ending.

reached its conclusion

Emphasizes the completion of a process or event, suggesting a logical or predetermined endpoint.

ended

A more direct and concise way of stating that something has finished.

terminated

Implies a more formal or abrupt ending, suitable for official contexts.

concluded

Suggests a deliberate act of bringing something to a finish, often with a sense of finality.

wrapped up

An informal way to indicate the completion of something, often with a sense of tidiness or efficiency.

finished

A simple and general term for the completion of an activity or event.

was finalized

Focuses on the completion of a process involving approval or agreement.

ceased

Indicates a stopping or discontinuation, often abruptly.

halted

Implies a sudden stop or interruption, potentially unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "drew to a close" in a sentence?

You can use "drew to a close" to describe the end of a period, event, or process. For example, "As the year "drew to a close", we reflected on our accomplishments."

What are some alternatives to "drew to a close"?

Alternatives include "came to an end", "reached its conclusion", or simply "ended", depending on the context.

Is "drew to a close" formal or informal?

"Drew to a close" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts but might sound overly elaborate in very casual conversation.

What is the difference between "drew to a close" and "ended abruptly"?

"Drew to a close" suggests a gradual and natural ending, while "ended abruptly" implies a sudden and unexpected termination. The choice depends on the specific circumstances you're describing.