Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Draft in": Usage and Examples
Welcome, English learners! Expanding your English vocabulary is key to fluency, and phrasal verbs are a vital part of this journey. Today, we're focusing on the versatile phrasal verb "Draft in". Understanding "Draft in" can significantly enhance your comprehension and expression in various contexts. This post will guide you through the different meanings of "Draft in", its grammatical structures, provide clear examples, explore related synonyms, and offer practice questions to solidify your learning. Let's dive into how you can use "Draft in" effectively!
Table of Contents
- What Does "Draft in" Mean?
- Structure with "Draft in"
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does "Draft in" Mean?
The phrasal verb "Draft in" primarily means to bring someone into a situation or group, often on a temporary basis, to perform a specific task or fill a need. It suggests a selection process, often due to urgency or a lack of available personnel from the usual pool. Think of it as pulling someone in because their skills or presence are suddenly required.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get out of': Meanings & Usage
Structure with "Draft in"
Understanding how to structure sentences with "Draft in" is crucial for using it correctly. This phrasal verb can be both separable and inseparable depending on the context and specific meaning. Let's explore its common meanings and their typical sentence structures.
Meaning 1: To Bring Someone In for a Task or Role
This is perhaps the most common usage of "Draft in". It refers to selecting and bringing someone, or a group of people, to perform a particular job, often because they are needed for a specific skill, to cover a shortage, or for a temporary period. The tone can imply a somewhat urgent or ad-hoc arrangement.
Structure 1 (Separable): Subject + draft + [person/people] + in + (to do something / for a purpose / as something)
- This structure is common when the object ([person/people]) is a noun or noun phrase.
- Example 1: The company had to draft several retired engineers in to help complete the urgent project.
- Example 2: Due to widespread illness, the hospital had to draft nurses in from other departments to cover the shifts.
Structure 2 (Often with 'in' before the object if the object is long or followed by a long phrase): Subject + draft + in + [person/people] + (to do something / for a purpose / as something)
- This structure can also be used and is sometimes preferred for clarity, especially if "someone" is a pronoun or a short noun phrase.
- Example 1: When the lead actor fell ill, the director quickly drafted in a replacement.
- Example 2: We needed extra help for the event, so we drafted in some volunteers at the last minute.
It's important to note that "Draft in" implies a decision made by someone in authority or a group needing the specific help. The person being "drafted in" might not have initially planned to be involved.
Meaning 2: To Conscript for Military Service
This meaning is more specific and refers to the compulsory enlistment of individuals into armed forces. In this context, "draft in" is often synonymous with "conscript."
Structure: Subject (often a government or military authority) + draft + [person/people] + in / into + (the army / the military / service)
- This structure is typically used when talking about official conscription.
- Example 1: During the war, the government had to draft thousands of young men in to the army.
- Example 2: He was drafted in to the military shortly after his eighteenth birthday.
While "draft into" is very common for this meaning, "draft in" can also be used, especially in British English. The context usually makes the meaning clear. This usage carries a sense of obligation and legal requirement.
Meaning 3: To Incorporate or Add by Writing (e.g., a Clause into a Document)
This usage of "Draft in" refers to the act of writing something and including it within a larger document, plan, or proposal. It relates to the verb "draft" meaning "to write a first version of something."
Structure: Subject + draft + [clause/idea/section] + in / into + [document/plan]
- This meaning focuses on the creation and insertion of text or ideas.
- Example 1: The legal team will draft a new confidentiality clause in to the existing contract.
- Example 2: We need to draft in a section on risk assessment before we submit the proposal.
In this context, "draft in" highlights the act of composing and integrating a specific piece of written material. It's about adding to an existing framework through careful writing. This use of the primary keyword "Draft in" showcases its versatility in formal contexts.
More: Understanding 'Do Over': Meaning and Usage of this Phrasal Verb
Related Phrases and Synonyms
While "Draft in" has its unique nuances, several other words and phrases can convey similar meanings, especially for its primary sense of bringing someone in for a task. Understanding these synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and help you choose the most appropriate term for different situations.
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit | To find suitable people and persuade them to join a company or organization. | The company plans to recruit ten new graduates this year. |
| Enlist | To engage a person or their help or support for a cause or undertaking. | We managed to enlist several experts to help with the research. |
| Call in | To ask someone to come and help in a difficult situation or to do a job. | The manager had to call in a specialist to fix the machinery. |
| Bring in | To hire or engage someone for a particular role or task. | They decided to bring in an external consultant for advice. |
| Co-opt | To appoint to membership of a committee or other body by invitation of the existing members, often to gain their specific expertise. | She was co-opted onto the board for her financial acumen. |
These synonyms primarily relate to the first meaning of "Draft in" (bringing someone in for a task). For the military conscription meaning, "conscript" or "induct" would be closer synonyms. For the meaning of incorporating text, "incorporate," "add," or "write in" could be used.
More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Do Away With
Practice Time!
Now that you've learned about the meanings and structures of "Draft in", let's test your understanding with a few questions. Choose the best option for each sentence.
Question 1: Which sentence uses "draft in" to mean bringing someone for a temporary job? a) The architect will draft in the new designs for the building. b) Due to staff shortages, the hospital had to draft in nurses from a nearby city. c) Young men were drafted in to the army during the conflict. d) He drafted in a quick note to his friend.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The government had to ________ many young citizens ________ the military during the war." Which words best complete the sentence in the context of conscription? a) call / to b) draft / into c) ask / for d) send / with
Correct answer: b
Question 3: The legal team decided to ________ a new clause ________ the contract to cover intellectual property rights. a) draft / in b) bring / over c) call / up d) set / down
Correct answer: a
Question 4: The phrase "draft in" in the sentence "They drafted in a specialist to solve the IT problem" most nearly means: a) To send out b) To write down c) To summon for help d) To expel from a group
Correct answer: c
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs like "Draft in" is a significant step in enhancing your English fluency and comprehension. By understanding its various meanings โ from bringing in personnel for a task, to military conscription, to incorporating text into documents โ and how to structure sentences correctly, you can use "Draft in" with confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key. Try to notice "Draft in" when you read or listen to English, and don't hesitate to use it in your own speaking and writing. Keep learning and expanding your vocabulary!