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Meaning trap

draw up

prepare a document

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

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

prepare a document

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

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The lawyer will draw up the contract for us to sign.work
  • In my previous job, I often had to draw up reports for my manager, which helped me improve my writing skills.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: draw up [object]

WrongThey drew up with a new plan.

RightThey drew up a new plan.

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

Patterndraw up [object]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Our solicitor will prepare the formal written agreement.

Natural Our solicitor will draw up the contract.

'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 contracta listplansan agreement

Don't confuse it

'Draw up' is more formal than 'write' and is used for official or important documents.

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