A1 verb Neutral #189 most common

pull

/pʊl/

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 5
1

Please pull the door to open it.

Please move the door toward you to open it.

2

The locomotive will pull the heavy carriages across the state.

The engine will draw the heavy train cars across the state.

3

Can you pull your chair a bit closer to mine?

Can you move your chair nearer to mine?

Word Family

Noun
pull
Verb
pull
Adjective
pullable
Related
pulley
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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

1

Please pull the door to open it.

everyday

Please move the door toward you to open it.

2

The locomotive will pull the heavy carriages across the state.

formal

The engine will draw the heavy train cars across the state.

3

Can you pull your chair a bit closer to mine?

informal

Can you move your chair nearer to mine?

4

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.

academic

Gravity is the force that attracts objects toward the Earth's center.

5

The company decided to pull the product from the shelves immediately.

business

The company decided to remove the product from the stores immediately.

Word Family

Noun
pull
Verb
pull
Adjective
pullable
Related
pulley

Common Collocations

pull a handle to grasp and move a handle toward oneself
pull a muscle to injure a muscle by overstretching
pull the trigger to fire a gun or initiate an action
pull a lever to move a mechanical bar toward oneself
pull a plug to remove a connector from a socket

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

pull vs push

Push means to move something away from you, whereas pull means to move it toward you.

pull vs pool

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

Regular verb: pull (present), pulled (past), pulled (past participle). Often followed by a preposition of direction: pull out, pull up, pull down.
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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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posttribate

C1

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C1

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C1

Characterized by a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or hope, typically occurring after a setback or disappointment. It describes a psychological state where one's morale is significantly dampened or discouraged.

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