Phrasal verb
pull out
Meanings
To remove something from a place or from inside something.
To withdraw from an activity, plan, event, or agreement.
To move a vehicle out from the side of the road into traffic.
Definition
To pull out means to remove something from a place or to stop participating in an activity or agreement.
Pull out is a phrasal verb commonly used in two everyday ways. It can mean to remove something from inside a container, pocket, or space. It can also mean to withdraw from a plan, event, deal, or competition. In travel, it is often used for a vehicle moving out into traffic from the side of the road.
Examples
- I pulled out my phone to check the address.
- She decided to pull out of the race after injuring her ankle in training.
- They pulled out of the agreement when the timeline changed.
- The bus pulled out slowly from the stop as pedestrians crossed nearby.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition and say "pull out the deal" instead of "pull out of the deal" when they mean withdraw.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.