Inklingo

How to Say "to draft" in Spanish

English → Spanish

redactar

/re-dak-TAR//reðakˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'redactar' when you are creating the initial or preliminary version of a document, like an email or a simple report.
A hand holding a wooden pencil, writing on a clean sheet of paper on a wooden desk.

Examples

Tengo que redactar un correo electrónico para mi jefe.

I have to draft an email for my boss.

El periodista redactó la noticia en menos de una hora.

The journalist drafted the news story in less than an hour.

Es importante redactar el contrato con mucho cuidado.

It is important to draw up the contract very carefully.

Redactar vs. Escribir

While 'escribir' is the general physical act of writing, 'redactar' focuses on the mental process of organizing and composing thoughts into a formal text.

Always Regular

This verb follows the standard patterns for all '-ar' verbs, making it very predictable to conjugate in all forms.

The 'Edit' Confusion

Mistake: “Using redactar to mean 'editing' a video or fixing spelling.”

Correction: Redactar means 'to draft' or 'to compose' text. For editing a video, use 'editar'; for fixing text, use 'corregir' or 'revisar'.

elaborar

/eh-lah-bo-RAR//elaβoˈɾaɾ/

verbB2general
Choose 'elaborar' when the process of 'drafting' involves more detailed development, planning, or the creation of a complex document or strategy.
A person sitting at a desk with a lightbulb glowing above their head, drawing a map of a garden.

Examples

Necesitamos elaborar una estrategia de marketing.

We need to draft a marketing strategy.

El comité está elaborando un informe sobre el clima.

The committee is drafting a report on the climate.

Ella elaboró una respuesta muy inteligente.

She worked out a very intelligent response.

Physical vs. Mental

Whether you are making a cake or a law, 'elaborar' implies careful detail and preparation.

Don't confuse with 'elaborate on'

Mistake: “¿Puedes elaborar más en ese punto?”

Correction: ¿Puedes dar más detalles sobre ese punto?

Choosing Between 'Redactar' and 'Elaborar'

Learners often confuse 'redactar' and 'elaborar' because both involve document creation. Remember that 'redactar' is for the first, often simpler, writing stage, while 'elaborar' implies a more thorough development or construction process.

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