to withdraw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to withdraw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of removing oneself from a situation, taking back something, or pulling out from a commitment or agreement. Example: "She decided to withdraw from the competition after realizing the time commitment required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was right to withdraw.

The New York Times

There is nothing to withdraw.

The Guardian

(The Pakistanis were eventually forced to withdraw).

The New Yorker

So I was asked to withdraw".

The New Yorker

"We have been told to withdraw.

Independent

I was asked to withdraw the comments.

The New York Times

Mr. Ravalomanana agreed to withdraw in December.

The New York Times

Perowne, too, sees his opportunity to withdraw.

The New Yorker

The officer ordered his men to withdraw.

The New Yorker

Clarke moved to withdraw from the case.

The New Yorker

ASA was urged to withdraw her.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to withdraw" when you want to express a formal or deliberate action of removing oneself or something from a situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being withdrawn from.

Common error

Avoid using "to withdraw" when a simpler verb like "remove" or "cancel" would suffice. "To withdraw" often implies a more significant or official action than simply taking something away.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to withdraw" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express the action of removing oneself or something from a particular situation, commitment, or statement. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts, affirming its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to withdraw" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the act of removing oneself or something from a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific domains. It typically signifies a deliberate decision to disengage or retract. When writing, ensure the context justifies the formality of "to withdraw" over simpler alternatives like "remove" or "cancel". Consider related phrases such as ""to back out"" or "to pull back" for conveying similar meanings. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to back out

Implies a decision not to proceed with a plan or agreement, similar to withdrawing from a commitment.

to pull back

Suggests a physical or metaphorical retreat, akin to withdrawing from a position or involvement.

to take back

Indicates the retraction of a statement or offer, reflecting a form of withdrawal.

to call off

Means to cancel an event or arrangement, similar to withdrawing support or participation.

to opt out

Denotes a choice not to participate, which can be seen as a form of withdrawal.

to step down

Refers to resigning from a position, resembling a withdrawal from a role or responsibility.

to retreat

Implies moving back or away from a challenging situation, synonymous with withdrawing from conflict.

to disengage

Suggests separating oneself from an activity or relationship, akin to withdrawing involvement.

to recant

Means to formally reject or disavow a previously held belief, similar to withdrawing an opinion.

to revoke

Indicates the official cancellation of a decree, permit, or agreement, similar to withdrawing authorization.

FAQs

How can I use "to withdraw" in a sentence?

You can use "to withdraw" to describe removing oneself from a situation, like "She decided "to withdraw" from the race", or taking something back, such as "He had "to withdraw" his statement".

What can I say instead of "to withdraw"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to retract", "to recede", "to back out", or "to pull out".

Is it correct to say "withdraw from" or just "withdraw"?

Both are correct depending on the context. You can "withdraw" something (e.g., "withdraw money"), or "withdraw from" a situation or activity (e.g., "withdraw from the competition").

What's the difference between "to withdraw" and "to retract"?

"To withdraw" generally means to remove oneself or something, while "to retract" specifically refers to taking back a statement or claim. Therefore, while they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "to retract" has a narrower, more specific meaning.