Grammar fix
drum up
generate support/interest/business (figurative)
to try to get more support, interest, business, or enthusiasm for something, especially by making an effort to persuade people or attract their attention
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The charity is trying to drum up support for its new campaign.work
- In my opinion, universities should drum up more enthusiasm for volunteering by organising engaging events and promoting the benefits to students.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: drum up + noun (support/interest/business/enthusiasm/funds)
WrongThey drummed up for new customers.
RightThey drummed up new customers. / drummed up business.
'Drum up' takes the object directly — 'drum up support/business', no 'for' before it.
Patterndrum up + noun (support/interest/business/enthusiasm/funds)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Drum up' captures the active effort to stir interest; 'generate increased interest' is marketing jargon.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
drum up + interest/businesssupportbusinessinterestenthusiasm
Don't confuse it
'Drum up' is more active and deliberate than simply 'get' or 'gain' support. It is not used for literal, physical actions, but for abstract things like support, interest, or business.