Meaning trap
draw up
prepare a document
to write and organize an official paper, plan, or list, usually in a careful and detailed way.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to write and organize an official paper, plan, or list, usually in a careful and detailed way.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The lawyer will draw up the contract for us to sign.
In my previous job, I often had to draw up reports for my manager, which helped me improve my writing skills.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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').
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Draw up' is the standard verb for preparing formal documents; 'prepare the formal written agreement' is redundant.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
draw up + document/plan
- a contract
- a list
- plans
- an agreement