ENGLISH
REFERENCE

draw on

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to use information, experience, or a supply of something to help you do a task.

phr. v.. to utilize a particular resource, such as knowledge, experience, or financial reserves, as a basis for a current action or project.


SIMPLE

She draws on her experience as a teacher to write children's books.

CONTEXTUAL

The novelist draws on his childhood memories to create a realistic setting for the story.

COMPLEX

The research team will draw on extensive historical archives to substantiate their claims regarding the economic shift.

Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
draw + on + object
Usage

transitive; the object is typically an abstract resource like knowledge, skills, or memories.

Teaching tip

contrast with the literal 'draw' (to sketch); here, the metaphor is 'pulling' from a well or source of supply.

Pitfall

He draws on to his savings.He draws on his savings.the verb is followed directly by the object without an extra preposition like 'to'.

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