heytardy
Log inGet started

pull out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
pull out
leave or withdraw from an activity or agreementdrive onto a road from another place

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “leave or withdraw from an activity or agreement”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 meaning: drive onto a road from another place

Meaning 2

drive onto a road from another place

  • pull out onto/from sth

to move your car from the side of the road or another place onto the main road and start driving.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Always check your mirrors before you pull out onto a busy street.

A: Why did that car honk at you?
B: I think I pulled out a bit too quickly.

Common mistake

Not: He pulled out to the main road.

Say: He pulled out onto the main road.

'Pull out ONTO' a road — not 'to'.

More on “drive onto a road from another place”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I first learned to drive, I was nervous about pulling out into traffic, especially during rush hour.

Tell it apart

A van pulled out in front of me.

  • moved onto the road

A van pulled over to let me past.

  • stopped at the roadside

Goes with

  • pull out + onto/in front
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

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

leave or withdraw from an activity or agreementdrive onto a road from another place