Withdraw sb Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Withdraw sb” Mean?

“Withdraw sb” means to take someone out of an activity, situation, or place, often for safety, health, or personal reasons.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “withdraw sb” is commonly used when someone is removed or taken out from a particular event, position, or place. For example, a teacher may withdraw a student from a class, or a coach might withdraw a player from a game. Understanding the withdraw sb meaning helps learners use this phrase accurately in different contexts. It often implies an action done for protection, convenience, or due to a change in circumstances. This guide explains how to use “withdraw sb” naturally, with examples and grammar tips to help you communicate clearly.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: withdraw sb (withdraw somebody)
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to take someone out of a place or activity

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Withdraw sb” is a transitive phrasal verb, so it always requires a direct object (the person who is withdrawn).

• Separable: You can place the object between “withdraw” and the person (withdraw him) or after (withdraw him from the game).
• Patterns:
• Withdraw + somebody
• Withdraw + somebody + from + place/activity

How to Use “Withdraw sb”?

Use “withdraw sb” when you want to describe removing someone from a situation, either temporarily or permanently. This action is often for safety, health, or strategic reasons. For example, a company might withdraw an employee from a risky project, or parents might withdraw their child from school for personal reasons. It is formal and often used in official or professional contexts.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “withdraw sb in a sentence”:

• The coach decided to withdraw the injured player before the match ended.
• They had to withdraw the child from the competition due to illness.
• The company withdrew several employees from the overseas assignment for safety reasons.
• After the incident, the teacher withdrew the student from the field trip.
• Parents can withdraw their children from certain classes if they wish.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to confuse “withdraw sb” with other similar phrases. Here are some common mistakes and how to correct them:

• Incorrect: The doctor withdraw him from the study.
  Correct: The doctor withdrew him from the study.
• Incorrect: She withdraw from the team her brother.
  Correct: She withdrew her brother from the team.
• Incorrect: They withdraw him.
  Correct: They withdrew him.

Remember, the past tense of withdraw is withdrew, not withdrawed.

Differences / Synonyms

“Withdraw sb” is similar to phrases like “take sb out” or “remove sb,” but it usually sounds more formal and intentional.

• Take sb out: More casual, can mean physically removing or going out socially.
• Remove sb: More general, can mean eliminating from a position or place.
• Withdraw sb: Focuses on pulling someone out, often for protection or official reasons.

For example, “The coach took the player out” is less formal than “The coach withdrew the player.”

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects and phrases used with “withdraw sb”:

• Withdraw sb from a game – to take someone out of a sports event
• Withdraw sb from a class – to remove a student from a course
• Withdraw sb for safety reasons – to protect someone
• Withdraw sb from a competition – to stop someone from participating
• Withdraw sb due to illness – to remove someone because of health issues

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of withdraw sb:

• Withdraw Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “withdraw sb”:

Anna: Why did the coach withdraw Tom from the match?

Ben: He had a minor injury, so it was safer to take him out.

Anna: That makes sense. It’s better to be careful.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “withdraw sb”:

• The teacher decided to ________ the student ________ the field trip due to safety concerns.
• Because of the injury, the manager ________ the player ________ the game early.
• Parents can ________ their children ________ certain classes if needed.

FAQs

• Q: Can “withdraw sb” be used in casual conversations?
  A: It is mostly formal but can be used in everyday speech when talking about removing someone from activities.
• Q: What is the past tense of “withdraw”?
  A: The past tense is “withdrew.”
• Q: Is “withdraw sb” separable?
  A: Yes, you can place the object directly after “withdraw” or after additional information.
• Q: Can “withdraw sb” mean to take money from someone?
  A: No, “withdraw sb” refers to removing a person, not money.
• Q: What is a common mistake with “withdraw sb”?
  A: Using the wrong past tense form, such as “withdrawed,” is incorrect.