1 B2 neutral
To write an initial or preliminary version of a document for later review or revision.
"Can you draft up a proposal for the new marketing campaign by Friday?"
separable
draft up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To produce a preliminary written version of a document.
In plain English
To write a first rough version of something like a letter, plan, or contract.
What does "draft up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To produce a draft and bring it up into existence.
Actually means
To write a first rough version of something like a letter, plan, or contract.
Usage tip
Common in business and legal contexts. 'Draft' already contains the idea of a preliminary document, so 'up' adds a sense of completion of the initial drafting task. Very close to 'draw up' but slightly less formal.
Words that pair with "draft up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
contract proposal report letter plan agreement legislation
How to conjugate "draft up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
draft up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drafts up
he/she/it
Past simple
drafted up
yesterday
Past participle
drafted up
have + pp
-ing form
drafting up
continuous
Hear "draft up" in the wild
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