Advanced English Grammar

Phrasal verb PULL

The phrasal verb pull is listed below along with an exercise for you to check your understanding. I recommend looking over the list then doing the exercise to check your knowledge.

PULL AHEAD = overtake, move into the lead or in front

The racer pulled ahead in the last lap even though he was behind most of the race.

PULL APART = A. stop from fighting B. weaken an argument or theory

A. The teacher pulled the fighting students apart in the classroom.
B. The 'flat earth theory' can be easily pulled apart by any scientist.

PULL AWAY = A. gain in distance B. vehicle leaving from a place

A. The race leader pulled away from the others and won the race handily.
B. the truck pulled away form the loading dock after unloading.

PULL BACK = A. score a goal or point when behind B. retreat to previous position C. decide not to do something previously planned.

A. The teamed pulled back to even after two quick goals.
B. The soldiers pulled back after the initial attack.
C. They pulled back form the investment saying ti was ultimately too risky.

PULL DOWN = A. demolish B. depress someone C. earn (colloquial)

A. They pulled down the old sports stadium to build a new one.
B. John was really pulled down by his recent divorce.
C. How much do you pull down a month, he asked?

PULL FOR = support; especially teams

Who are you pulling for in the cup finals?

PULL IN = A. train or bus arrival at a station B. attract a crowd C. earn

A. The train pulled in right on time.
B. The comedy act really pulled in the crowds, didn't they?
C. I pulled in more this year than last year. How about you?

PULL OFF = A. manage to do B. remove

A. The Yankees pulled off a great upset in the finals.
B. Pull off the price stickers from the bottom of the toys before you wrap them.

PULL ON = A. put on clothes; dress B. pull something sticking out

A. He pulled on his boots and went to work.
B. When he pulled on the loose thread his whole shirt sleeve came off.

PULL OUT = A. bus or train leaving station B. move into traffic C. withdraw

A. When the boat pulled out to sea, he realized he would never return.
B. The car pulled out into the fast lane and nearly got hit.
C. The contestant pulled out of the competition due to injury.

PULL OVER = stop a vehicle by the side of the road

We pulled over to check our tires as something was making a funny sound on the car.

PULL THROUGH = recover from and illness

We didn't know if he was going to pull through but in the end he did.

PULL TOGETHER = work or compete as a team

Let's pull together and get this job done.

PULL UP = draw up and stop a car

The car pulled up to the curb and stopped in front of the door.

PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER = gain control of your emotions

Sometimes circumstances make it hard to pull yourself together but you must.

Phrasal verb PULL Exercise

Choose from the drop down menu the word(s) that best complete the phrasal verbs below.

1. Don't pull ___ that string! Can't you see it will fall if you do?
2. The runner pulled ____ in the last lap to win the race handily.
3. The car pulled _____ into traffic and nearly got hit.
4. He pulled ____ in the end but it was touch and go for while.
5. She said, "pull ____ things can't be that bad."
6. Why pull ____ his theory? Haven't you got something better to do?
7. Mother pulled ____ in her brand new car.
8. He pulled ____ from the project stating that now was not the time for new investments.
9. She pulled ____ some extra money each month working the night shift.
10. We need to pull ___ and work as a group if we want to win.

For more information about the phrasal verb pull click on the preceding link.

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