to draw out

USAGE SUMMARY

"to draw out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to extend, prolong, or extract something from someone or something. Example: The teacher asked the students to draw out their ideas and share them with the class. In this sentence, "to draw out" is used to mean extending or extracting the students' ideas from their minds and sharing them with the class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(The salt will help to draw out excess moisture).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People were going to cash machines to draw out cash".

The New York Times

The quiz was meant to draw out the felon within.

The New York Times - Books

"You have to draw out the feeling from inside," he said.

The New Yorker

They would just go down the road to draw out people".

The New York Times

Conductors of the Pierre Boulez school tend to draw out the music's astringency.

The New York Times - Arts

He rebuffs efforts to draw out the details of his past.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Uzun and Mr. Richardson often have to draw out the participants.

The New York Times

"If your health is poor, it makes sense to draw out Social Security at younger ages.

The New York Times

(The word "long" prompted one man to draw out his arms like a length of string).

The New York Times - Arts

That should be "elicit", a 17th-century word from the Latin "elicere" – to draw out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to draw out" in your writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It can mean to extend something in time, extract something physically, or elicit a response from someone. Choose the usage that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid confusing "to draw out" with "to draw up". "To draw up" means to create or prepare something, like a document, while "to draw out" means to extend, extract, or elicit. Using the wrong phrase can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to draw out" serves various grammatical functions, often acting as part of a verb phrase. It can indicate purpose, as in "The purpose of this study is to draw out design principles..." or describe a result, as exemplified by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to draw out" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression with multiple meanings: extending, extracting, or eliciting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While generally neutral in register, synonyms might be preferred for highly formal writing. Remember to avoid confusing it with "to draw up". The phrase is very common and understanding its varied uses will enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to bring out

Suggests revealing or highlighting a particular quality or characteristic.

to elicit

Replaces "draw out" with a more formal verb meaning to evoke or obtain.

to tease out

Implies careful and persistent effort to uncover or clarify something.

to extract

Focuses on the removal or derivation of something, often physical but can be abstract.

to coax out

Indicates gentle persuasion or encouragement to elicit a response.

to extend

Similar to prolong, but can also refer to expanding the scope or reach of something.

to evoke

Emphasizes the calling forth of feelings, memories, or responses.

to prolong

Specifically refers to extending the duration of something.

to derive

Highlights the origin or source from which something is obtained.

to deduce

Refers to reaching a conclusion through reasoning and inference.

FAQs

How can I use "to draw out" in a sentence?

You can use "to draw out" to mean extending something (e.g., "Republicans are likely "to draw out" the process"), extracting something (e.g., "The salt will help "to draw out" excess moisture"), or eliciting a response (e.g., "Stories are the best way "to draw out" and convey emotions").

What are some alternatives to "to draw out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to elicit", "to extract", "to prolong", or "to extend".

What is the difference between "to draw out" and "to draw up"?

"To draw out" means to extend, extract, or elicit something. "To draw up", on the other hand, means to create or prepare something, such as a contract or plan.

Is "to draw out" formal or informal?

"To draw out" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.