draw up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

draw up

prepare a document come to a stop

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “prepare a document”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

Next meaning: come to a stop

Meaning 2

come to a stop

draw up to/at sth
formal

to arrive and stop, especially referring to a vehicle or a person approaching and halting, often used in formal or narrative contexts.

How oftenRare

LevelC1

Used inMostly written

Examples

A sleek black limousine drew up outside the hotel entrance, attracting everyone's attention.

A: Did you see who just drew up at the gates?
B: No, but it looked like someone important.

Common mistake

Not: A taxi drew up the entrance.

Say: A taxi drew up outside the entrance. / A taxi pulled up at the entrance.

Needs a preposition: 'draw up outside/at + place'.

More on “come to a stop”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

As the bus drew up to the crowded stop, passengers began to gather their belongings in preparation to board.

Tell it apart

A limousine drew up outside.

arrived and stopped — narrative

They drew up a contract.

prepared a document

Goes with

draw up + location

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

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

prepare a document come to a stop