end the draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end the draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the termination of a military draft or the conclusion of a written draft of a document. Example: "Many citizens are advocating to end the draft, believing it is no longer necessary in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Richard Nixon ran for election, promising to end the draft.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the commission's report was published, in 1970, it recommended an all-volunteer military, giving Nixon the political cover he needed to eventually end the draft.

The New Yorker

Mr zu Guttenberg, although a member of the conscription-loving CSU, wants to end the draft, but he has yet to persuade fellow conservatives or say what will replace it.It will be traumatic if it happens.

The Economist

The decision has been a point of contention between President Kaczynski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who attracted young voters in last year's parliamentary elections in part by promising to end the draft.

The New York Times

BERLIN — For the first time in more than half a century, Germany's political leadership appears ready to end the draft, a post World War II mandate embedded in the Constitution to prevent this nation's military from ever again developing into a state-within-a-state that could impede democracy and start war.

The New York Times

First end the draft, second begin to privatize around the edges.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

After Congress ended the draft in 1973, they have become largely dormant.

The Guardian

Last year it ended the draft in favour of an all-volunteer army like America's.

The Economist

Coincidentally, the anniversary of the 1941 invasion came just days before the Bundeswehr, the current army, formally ends the draft that has sustained its ranks for decades.

The New York Times

Germany is making the change years after its major allies have taken the same step, including the United States, which ended the draft in 1973.

The New York Times

But in the scope of military history, the radical notion of armed service as a potential career path was entirely new, becoming prevalent only after Nixon ended the draft in the 1970s.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the topic of ending the draft, consider the historical context and potential consequences of such a decision. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and provide a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "drafting" when you mean "the draft" (the system of conscription). "Drafting" refers to the act of creating a preliminary version of something, like drafting a document. The phrase "ending drafting" would only be correct if you're discussing ceasing the creation of preliminary documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end the draft" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show it typically acts as the main verb in clauses expressing a desire, promise, or action to terminate mandatory military conscription.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "end the draft" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the termination of mandatory military conscription. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in news articles and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register. The phrase serves to advocate for, describe, or analyze the act of ceasing mandatory military service. While semantically similar phrases like "abolish conscription" or "terminate the military draft" can be used as alternatives, it's important to avoid confusion with related terms like "drafting". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abolish conscription

Replaces "end the draft" with a more formal term for mandatory military service.

eliminate conscription

Similar to 'abolish conscription', but uses 'eliminate' emphasizing complete removal.

terminate the military draft

Substitutes "end" with "terminate" and clarifies "draft" with "military draft" for added precision.

discontinue the draft

Uses "discontinue" to imply ceasing the practice of drafting.

put an end to the draft

Adds emphasis by using the idiom "put an end to".

bring the draft to a close

Offers a more descriptive and figurative way to express the ending of the draft.

repeal the draft laws

Focuses on the legal aspect by suggesting the laws enabling the draft should be repealed.

cancel the draft

Replaces "end" with "cancel", suggesting the draft is called off.

suspend mandatory military service

Specifically refers to suspending the mandatory aspect of military service.

transition to an all-volunteer army

Focuses on the result of ending the draft, which is moving to a voluntary military force.

FAQs

What does it mean to "end the draft"?

To "end the draft" means to terminate or abolish the system of mandatory military service, also known as conscription, transitioning to an all-volunteer military force.

Why would a country choose to "end the draft"?

A country might choose to "end the draft" due to factors like changing military needs, public opposition to conscription, a desire for a more professional and specialized military, or economic considerations.

What are some alternatives to saying "end the draft"?

You can use alternatives like "abolish conscription", "terminate the military draft", or "discontinue the draft".

What are the potential consequences of "ending the draft"?

Potential consequences of "ending the draft" can include a more professional and specialized military force, reduced public opposition to military interventions, but also potential challenges in recruitment and maintaining a diverse representation within the military.