1 B2 neutral
To bring in or recruit someone specifically to help with a task or problem, often because of an urgent need.
"The hospital drafted in extra nurses from other departments during the crisis."
separable
draft in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To recruit or bring someone in to help with a task, often urgently or specially for a purpose.
In plain English
To ask or order someone to come and help with something, especially because extra people are needed.
What does "draft in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To conscript or formally assign someone to a role, especially in a military or official context.
"Soldiers were drafted in to assist with the flood relief operation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add (someone) to a draft (a list of recruited people).
Actually means
To ask or order someone to come and help with something, especially because extra people are needed.
Usage tip
Common in British English, especially in journalism and business. Often used in passive. Implies someone is brought in from outside the usual team to fill a gap.
Words that pair with "draft in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
experts staff soldiers workers consultants reinforcements
How to conjugate "draft in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
draft in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drafts in
he/she/it
Past simple
drafted in
yesterday
Past participle
drafted in
have + pp
-ing form
drafting in
continuous
Hear "draft in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "draft in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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