draw on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Use a resource, knowledge or experience
Why “on”? One thing supports another. A plan may need people, facts, money, or past success.
“She drew on her years of training.”
“The writer drew on childhood memories for the story.”
Common mistake
She draws on from her experience.
She draws on her experience.
Draw on takes the resource directly — no from.
Natural collocations
The word partners “draw on” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Draw on means use a resource, knowledge or experience. Draw out means encourage a shy person to talk more.
Test yourself
“She drew on her years of training.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
draw out
A contrast learners often mix up
Encourage a shy person to talk more
act on
Same on pattern: support
Take action because of advice or information
base on
Same on pattern: support
Use something as the foundation or starting point
build on
Same on pattern: support
Use a previous success as a foundation for more
count on
Same on pattern: support
Rely on someone or something with confidence
depend on
Same on pattern: support
Need someone or something for support or to function
go on
Same on pattern: support
Continue happening or doing something; Happen or take place; Talk for a long time, often in a tedious way; Use information as the basis for an opinion; Begin to operate
rely on
Same on pattern: support
Trust someone or something to help
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