they drew up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they drew up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of creating or formulating something, such as a document, plan, or agreement. Example: "After several meetings, they drew up a comprehensive proposal for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, they drew up their own lists.

The New York Times

They drew up in nice cars and went in too".

Independent

"Apparently they drew up a list," I say.

The Guardian

His aides said they drew up plans for pension overhauls and spending caps, but were rebuffed.

The New York Times

(Traditionally, people could decide whether they wanted slavery when they drew up new state constitutions).

Independent

Certainly not what they drew up, but the Vikings are quickly in the Packers' half.

The New York Times

They drew up a household budget with CAP, and this included a small savings plan.

Independent

After hearing presentations from experts on each problem, they drew up a list of priorities.

The Economist

Slowly but quietly — always quietly — they drew up plans for restoring most Jewish religious sites.

The New York Times

They drew up a constitution based on self-determination for all of Ethiopia's many ethnic groups.

The Economist

But the Obama administration officials say they drew up the regulations precisely to defuse that complaint.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they drew up" when you want to emphasize the collaborative effort in creating a plan, document, or agreement. It suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process.

Common error

Avoid using "they drew up" in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise or sophisticated language might be expected. Consider alternatives like "they formulated" or "they established" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they drew up" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of creating or formulating something, often a plan, document, or list. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they drew up" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively describes the act of creating or formulating something, typically a plan, document, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the specific situation and adjust accordingly. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "they drew up" appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they formulated

Replaces "drew up" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing careful and systematic creation.

they drafted

Focuses on the initial writing or outlining of a document or plan.

they devised

Highlights the inventive and thoughtful aspect of creating a plan or solution.

they prepared

Emphasizes the act of making something ready or suitable, often a document or plan.

they established

Suggests setting up or creating something with the intention of making it permanent or official.

they developed

Implies a gradual and detailed process of creating or improving something.

they conceived

Emphasizes the initial idea or mental creation of something.

they designed

Focuses on the planning and creation of something with a specific purpose and structure.

they composed

Highlights the act of creating something by carefully putting together different parts or elements.

they structured

Emphasizes the arrangement and organization of elements into a coherent whole.

FAQs

How can I use "they drew up" in a sentence?

You can use "they drew up" to describe the creation of a plan, agreement, or document. For example, "After the meeting, "they drew up" a contract."

What's a more formal alternative to "they drew up"?

In formal contexts, consider using "they formulated", "they drafted", or "they prepared" as alternatives to "they drew up".

Is "they drew up" appropriate for academic writing?

While "they drew up" is generally acceptable, academic writing might benefit from more precise alternatives such as "they developed" or "they established", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "they drew up" and "they devised"?

"They drew up" typically refers to the act of creating a document or plan. "They devised" emphasizes the ingenuity or inventiveness involved in creating something, such as a solution or strategy.