Are you one of those people who get confused between the words “draw” and “drawer”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people use these words interchangeably, but in reality, they have different meanings and uses.
The proper word to use depends on the context in which it is being used. “Draw” is a verb that means to produce a picture, image or diagram by making lines and marks on paper or another surface. On the other hand, “drawer” is a noun that refers to a box-shaped container that slides in and out of a piece of furniture, used for storing clothes, papers, or other items.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between “draw” and “drawer” in more detail, so you can use them correctly and confidently in your writing.
Draw
Draw is a verb that has multiple meanings. One of its most common definitions is to create a picture or image by making marks on paper or another surface using a pen, pencil, or other writing tool. It can also refer to pulling or dragging something towards oneself, such as a door or a piece of furniture. In sports, draw can mean to end a game with neither team winning, or to select players or teams randomly for a tournament or competition.
Drawer
Drawer is a noun that refers to a piece of furniture, typically made of wood, that has a sliding panel or panels used for storing items. It can also refer to a person who draws something, such as an artist or a draftsman. In the context of a cash register or a safe, drawer refers to the compartment that holds money or other valuables.
| Draw | Drawer |
|---|---|
| Verb | Noun |
| To create a picture or image | A piece of furniture with sliding panels for storage |
| To pull or drag something towards oneself | A person who draws something |
| To end a game with neither team winning | The compartment that holds money or other valuables |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing between draw and drawer can be a daunting task for many writers, especially those who are not native English speakers. The two words are homophones, meaning they sound alike but have different meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use draw and drawer in a sentence correctly.
How To Use Draw In A Sentence
Draw is a verb that means to produce a picture or diagram by making lines and marks on paper or another surface. It can also mean to pull something or someone in a particular direction. Here are some examples of how to use draw in a sentence:
- She likes to draw portraits of her friends in her free time.
- The teacher asked the students to draw a map of the world.
- He drew the curtains to block out the sunlight.
- The horse-drawn carriage was a popular mode of transportation in the 19th century.
- The magnet was strong enough to draw the metal object towards it.
As you can see from the examples, draw is used to describe the act of creating a picture or diagram, as well as pulling something in a particular direction.
How To Use Drawer In A Sentence
Drawer, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to a boxlike container that slides in and out of a piece of furniture and is used for storing things. Here are some examples of how to use drawer in a sentence:
- She opened the top drawer of her dresser and took out a pair of socks.
- The kitchen had several drawers for storing utensils and cutlery.
- He put the documents in the bottom drawer of his desk.
- The chest of drawers was a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations.
- The cash register had a drawer for holding money and receipts.
As you can see from the examples, drawer is used to describe a container that slides in and out of a piece of furniture and is used for storing things.
More Examples Of Draw & Drawer Used In Sentences
Understanding the proper usage of words is an essential part of improving your vocabulary. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to correctly use “draw” and “drawer” in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “Draw” In A Sentence
- He can draw a perfect circle freehand.
- She tried to draw a portrait of her cat, but it didn’t turn out well.
- The teacher asked the students to draw a diagram of the water cycle.
- He used a ruler to draw a straight line on the paper.
- She always liked to draw pictures of flowers in her notebook.
- The artist used charcoal to draw a portrait of his friend.
- He was able to draw a map of the city from memory.
- She used a pencil to draw a sketch of her dream house.
- The children were asked to draw a picture of their favorite animal.
- He used a pen to draw a cartoon character on the paper.
Examples Of Using “Drawer” In A Sentence
- He opened the top drawer of the dresser to find his socks.
- She put her jewelry in the bottom drawer of the jewelry box.
- The kitchen had several drawers for utensils and cutlery.
- The office desk had a locked drawer for important documents.
- She organized her makeup in the makeup drawer of her vanity.
- He pulled out the drawer of the filing cabinet to find the file he needed.
- The cash register had a drawer for coins and bills.
- She kept her important papers in the top drawer of her desk.
- The carpenter built a custom-made drawer for the kitchen cabinets.
- He closed the drawer of the nightstand before going to bed.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes – even with words that seem simple and straightforward. One common mistake people make is using “draw” and “drawer” interchangeably. While they may sound similar, they have very different meanings and uses.
Using “Draw” Instead Of “Drawer”
- Mistake: “Can you put that in the draw for me?”
- Explanation: The correct word here is “drawer.” “Draw” is a verb that means to create a picture or image, or to pull something towards you.
Using “draw” instead of “drawer” is a common mistake, especially for non-native English speakers. It’s important to remember that “drawer” refers to a piece of furniture or a compartment that slides out to store things.
Using “Drawer” Instead Of “Draw”
- Mistake: “I’m going to draw a bath.”
- Explanation: The correct word here is “fill” or “run.” “Drawer” is a noun that refers to a storage compartment, not an action.
Using “drawer” instead of “draw” is less common, but still incorrect. It’s important to use the correct verb to accurately convey your meaning.
Tips To Avoid Confusing “Draw” And “Drawer”
- Use context clues: Pay attention to the words around “draw” or “drawer” to determine which one is correct. For example, if you’re talking about furniture, “drawer” is likely the correct word.
- Practice: The more you use these words correctly, the easier it will be to remember which one to use in different situations.
- Check your work: Before hitting “send” on an important email or document, double-check that you’ve used the correct word.
By avoiding these common mistakes and being mindful of the differences between “draw” and “drawer,” you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between draw and drawer, context is key. The two words may seem interchangeable, but their meanings are actually quite different. Understanding the context in which they are used can help you make the right choice.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between draw and drawer might change:
| Context | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Art Class | Draw |
| Furniture Store | Drawer |
| Office Supplies | Drawer |
| Game Night | Draw |
In an art class, for example, the correct word choice would be “draw.” This is because “draw” refers to the act of creating a picture or image with a pencil or pen. On the other hand, in a furniture store or an office supplies context, the correct word choice would be “drawer.” This is because “drawer” refers to a compartment in a piece of furniture or a storage unit that slides in and out.
Another example of how context matters is in a game night setting. The correct word choice would be “draw.” This is because “draw” refers to the act of selecting a card or tile from a deck or pile. In this context, “drawer” would not make sense.
Overall, understanding the context in which draw and drawer are used is important for choosing the correct word. By paying attention to the situation and the intended meaning, you can ensure that you are using the right word for the job.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using draw and drawer are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
1. Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. In some cases, draw and drawer can be confused with other homophones, such as:
- Drawn vs. Droned: “The picture was drawn by hand” vs. “The drone flew over the building”
- Drawl vs. Droll: “She spoke with a southern drawl” vs. “His droll sense of humor always made her laugh”
2. Regional Differences
Depending on where you are in the world, the rules for using draw and drawer may vary slightly. For example, in British English, “drawer” is sometimes used to refer to a piece of furniture with drawers, while in American English, “dresser” is more commonly used. Additionally, some regional dialects may use “draw” or “draws” in place of “drawer” or “drawers” in certain contexts.
3. Idiomatic Expressions
There are a number of idiomatic expressions that use the words draw or drawer in unconventional ways. For example:
- Draw the line: To set a limit or boundary
- Under the drawer: Hidden or out of sight
It’s important to remember that these exceptions are relatively rare and may not apply in every situation. In most cases, using draw to refer to the act of creating a picture or image, and using drawer to refer to a piece of furniture or a compartment for storage, is the correct choice.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and usage of draw and drawer may require some practice. Here are some exercises to help you strengthen your skills:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word (draw or drawer) to complete each sentence. Answers are provided below.
| Sentence | Word Choice |
|---|---|
| He used a pencil to __________ a picture of his dog. | draw |
| She opened the __________ to get a spoon. | drawer |
| The artist’s __________ included sketches, paintings, and sculptures. | drawings |
| He couldn’t find his socks in the __________. | drawer |
| She was able to __________ a crowd with her singing. | draw |
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with the correct word (draw or drawer) to complete each sentence. Answers are provided below.
- She put the silverware in the __________.
- The teacher asked the students to __________ a picture of their favorite animal.
- He couldn’t believe his luck when he won the __________ for the raffle.
- She was able to __________ a deep breath before jumping into the pool.
- The __________ was stuck and wouldn’t open.
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
| Sentence | Word Choice |
|---|---|
| He used a pencil to __________ a picture of his dog. | draw |
| She opened the __________ to get a spoon. | drawer |
| The artist’s __________ included sketches, paintings, and sculptures. | drawings |
| He couldn’t find his socks in the __________. | drawer |
| She was able to __________ a crowd with her singing. | draw |
Exercise 2:
- She put the silverware in the drawer.
- The teacher asked the students to draw a picture of their favorite animal.
- He couldn’t believe his luck when he won the draw for the raffle.
- She was able to draw a deep breath before jumping into the pool.
- The drawer was stuck and wouldn’t open.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “draw” and “drawer,” it is clear that these two words are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, their meanings are vastly different, with “draw” being a verb that refers to creating a picture or pulling something, while “drawer” is a noun that refers to a container for storing items.
It is important to pay close attention to the context in which these words are used to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. Additionally, this serves as a reminder of the importance of proper grammar and language use in effective communication.
Key Takeaways
- “Draw” is a verb that means to create a picture or pull something.
- “Drawer” is a noun that refers to a container for storing items.
- Context is key in determining the correct usage of these words.
- Proper grammar and language use are essential for effective communication.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes such as confusing “draw” and “drawer.”
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.