A2verb1K

Pull

UK /["/pʊl/","/pʊlz/","/pʊld/","/ˈpʊlɪŋ/"]/US /["/pʊl/","/pʊlz/","/pʊld/","/ˈpʊlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to take hold of something and use force in order to move it or try to move it towards yourself

In simple words: To use your strength to move something toward you.

Examples

  • You need to pull the door to open it.
  • He will pull the wagon up the hill.
  • Can you pull this rope with me?
  • She decided to pull away from the project.
  • The car will pull to the side of the road.

Usage notes

Use 'pull' in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It's appropriate in casual conversations, but can also be used in instructions or formal contexts (e.g., 'pull the lever'). Avoid it in overly technical discussions unless clarified.

Grammar pattern

pull + object

Memory hint

Think of a person pulling a toy towards them, like a child pulling a wagon.

Collocations

  • gently
  • hard
  • quickly
  • try to
  • manage to
  • at
  • on
  • towards/​toward
  • pull (yourself) free
  • pull yourself to your feet
  • gently
  • hard
  • quickly
  • try to
  • manage to
  • at
  • on
  • towards/​toward
  • pull (yourself) free
  • pull yourself to your feet
  • gently
  • hard
  • quickly
  • try to
  • manage to
  • at
  • on
  • towards/​toward
  • pull (yourself) free
  • pull yourself to your feet
  • gently
  • hard
  • quickly
  • try to
  • manage to
  • at
  • on
  • towards/​toward
  • pull (yourself) free
  • pull yourself to your feet

Synonyms

  • draw

Antonyms

  • push
  • repel
  • release

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'pull' with 'push' which means the opposite
  • Using 'pull off' in the wrong context, as it means to succeed in doing something
  • Incorrectly using 'pull' without an object; e.g., 'I will pull' is vague