pull
To move something toward yourself or in the direction you are moving by using force. It is the opposite of pushing and is a fundamental action used in daily life to open doors or move objects.
Examples
3 of 5Please pull the door to open it.
Please move the door toward you to open it.
The locomotive will pull the heavy carriages across the state.
The engine will draw the heavy train cars across the state.
Can you pull your chair a bit closer to mine?
Can you move your chair nearer to mine?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'l's in pull as two hands reaching out to grab a rope and draw it toward you.
Quick Quiz
The sign on the door says ______, so you should bring the handle toward your body.
Correct!
The correct answer is: pull
Examples
Please pull the door to open it.
everydayPlease move the door toward you to open it.
The locomotive will pull the heavy carriages across the state.
formalThe engine will draw the heavy train cars across the state.
Can you pull your chair a bit closer to mine?
informalCan you move your chair nearer to mine?
Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.
academicGravity is the force that attracts objects toward the Earth's center.
The company decided to pull the product from the shelves immediately.
businessThe company decided to remove the product from the stores immediately.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
pull someone's leg
to tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue
pull yourself together
to recover control of your emotions
pull strings
to use personal influence to get what you want
Often Confused With
Push means to move something away from you, whereas pull means to move it toward you.
Pool is a noun for a small body of water; pull is a verb for movement.
Usage Notes
Use 'pull' when you are bringing an object closer to your body or moving it behind you while you walk. It is commonly found on door signs opposite the word 'push'.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent mistake for A1 learners is confusing 'pull' and 'push' on door signs in public places.
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'l's in pull as two hands reaching out to grab a rope and draw it toward you.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'pullian', which meant to pluck, snatch, or draw out.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, retail and office doors are strictly labeled 'PUSH' or 'PULL' for safety and efficient traffic flow.
Quick Quiz
The sign on the door says ______, so you should bring the handle toward your body.
Correct!
The correct answer is: pull
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Related Phrases
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