Same verb · different particle

“pull” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

pull

off out over through up

pull + off · 1 of 5

pull off

achieve something difficult

pull off sth
informal

to succeed in doing something that is difficult or unexpected, especially when others thought it was unlikely.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

No one thought the underdog team could pull off a win, but they surprised everyone.

A: Did you really finish the project in two days?
B: Yeah, I still can't believe I pulled it off!

Common mistake

Not: I can't believe they pulled ~~off it.~~

Say: I can't believe they pulled it off.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'pull it off'.

More on “pull off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it takes a lot of determination to pull off a successful business launch, especially in a competitive market.

Tell it apart

They pulled off a huge win.

achieved something hard

They pulled out of the deal.

withdrew from it

Goes with

pull off + feat

Practice saying this

Next: pull out

pull + out · 2 of 5

pull out

to leave or withdraw from an activity or agreement

pull out of sth

to decide not to take part in something anymore, or to stop being involved in an activity, event, or agreement.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The company decided to pull out of the deal at the last minute.

A: Are you still going to be in the tennis tournament?
B: No, I had to pull out because of an injury.

Common mistake

Not: They pulled out the project at the last minute.

Say: They pulled out of the project at the last minute.

'Pull out OF' something — don't drop 'of'.

More on “pull out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I was supposed to join the group project, but I had to pull out when my schedule got too busy.

Tell it apart

They pulled out of the merger.

withdrew from it

They pushed ahead with the merger.

carried on with it

Goes with

pull out + of

Practice saying this

Next: pull over

pull + over · 3 of 5

pull over

stop a vehicle at the side of the road

pull over sth

To drive your vehicle to the side of the road and stop, usually for safety or because someone asks you to.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The police officer signaled for me to pull over.

A: I think there's something wrong with the car.
B: Okay, I'll pull over so we can check it.

Common mistake

Not: He pulled ~~over~~ the car ~~to the side.~~

Say: He pulled over. / He pulled the car over.

'Pull over' is usually complete on its own — 'to the side' is exactly what 'over' already means.

More on “pull over”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I saw an ambulance behind me while driving, I would immediately pull over to let it pass.

Tell it apart

He pulled over to take the call.

stopped at the roadside

He pulled up outside the house.

stopped at a destination

Goes with

pull over + reason

Practice saying this

Next: pull through

pull + through · 4 of 5

pull through

survive illness or crisis

pull through sth

To get better after a serious illness, or to survive a very difficult situation.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Despite the economic downturn, the company managed to pull through and emerge stronger than before.

A: Do you think the team can pull through after losing their star player?
B: If they stay focused and support each other, I believe they can.

Common mistake

Not: We'll pull it through.

Say: We'll pull through.

'Pull through' stands alone — you don't 'pull something through' in this sense.

More on “pull through”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many experts argue that communities with strong social ties are more likely to pull through in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic hardship.

Tell it apart

She pulled through after the operation.

survived the illness

The company pulled through the recession.

survived the crisis

Goes with

pull through + adversity

Practice saying this

Next: pull up

pull + up · 5 of 5

pull up

to stop a vehicle

pull up sth)

to bring a car or other vehicle to a stop, usually by the side of the road.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The taxi pulled up outside my house right on time.

A: Is that your friend?
B: Yeah, that's him pulling up in the blue car.

Common mistake

Not: A car pulled up at front of the house.

Say: A car pulled up in front of the house.

It's 'in front of', not 'at front of'.

More on “pull up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my trip, the bus pulled up at several small towns along the way, giving us a chance to explore.

Tell it apart

A cab pulled up outside.

arrived and stopped

A cab pulled away from the kerb.

started moving off

Goes with

pull up + location

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “pull” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “pull” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

pull off pull out pull over pull through pull up