Same verb · different particle

“draw” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

draw

back on up

draw + back · 1 of 3

draw back

move away (because of surprise or fear)

draw back from sb/sth

to step or move away from someone or something, usually because you are surprised, scared, or uncomfortable.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She drew back when the dog suddenly barked at her.

A: Did you touch the snake?
B: No way! I drew back as soon as I saw it move.

Common mistake

Not: She drew ~~herself~~ back from the dog.

Say: She drew back from the dog.

Here it's intransitive — no 'herself'.

More on “draw back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In some situations, people may draw back from new experiences because they feel nervous or unsure.

Tell it apart

She drew back when she saw the snake.

flinched away

She stepped forward to help.

moved toward it

Goes with

draw back

Practice saying this

Next: draw on

draw + on · 2 of 3

draw on

use experience, knowledge, or resources

draw on sth

to use information, experience, knowledge, or skills that you already have in order to help you do something.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She was able to draw on her years of teaching experience to solve the problem quickly.

A: How did you manage to fix the computer so fast?
B: I just drew on what I learned from my last job.

Common mistake

Not: She drew on ~~from~~ her years of training.

Say: She drew on her years of training.

'Draw on' takes the resource directly — no 'from'.

More on “draw on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my presentation, I will draw on several studies to support my argument.

Tell it apart

He drew on his own experience.

used it as a resource

He drew up a contract.

prepared the document

Goes with

draw on + experience/resources

Practice saying this

Next: draw up

draw + up · 3 of 3

draw up

prepare a document

draw up sth

to write and organize an official paper, plan, or list, usually in a careful and detailed way.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The lawyer will draw up the contract for us to sign.

A: Who's going to draw up the meeting agenda?
B: I'll do it this afternoon and send it to everyone.

Common mistake

Not: They drew up ~~with~~ a new plan.

Say: They drew up a new plan.

'Draw up' takes the document/plan directly — no 'with' (that's 'come up with').

More on “draw up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my previous job, I often had to draw up reports for my manager, which helped me improve my writing skills.

Tell it apart

We drew up a contract.

formally prepared the document

We came up with a plan.

thought of an idea

Goes with

draw up + document/plan

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “draw” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “draw” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

draw back draw on draw up