begins to pull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins to pull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of a force or action that draws something towards itself or towards a specific direction. Example: "As the storm approached, the wind begins to pull the leaves from the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She begins to pull out receipts.

The New York Times

He begins to pull it through.

The New Yorker

Everybody begins to pull together as a team.

The New York Times

He begins to pull away; she holds tight.

The New York Times

A man, prostrate, begins to pull himself up a staircase but can go no farther.

The New York Times - Arts

Then Sean Brooks, Fijalkowski's supervisor and a lifeguard, jumps in and begins to pull him out.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Then CNN.com began to pull away.

The New York Times

Miranda blushed and began to pull away.

The New Yorker

Some stores were beginning to pull down their steel shutters.

The New York Times

As I tired, Economaki began to pull away from me.

The New York Times

Finally we began to pull up the six-kilometer streamer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins to pull" to describe the initial stage of a pulling action, whether literal (like meat pulling away from a bone) or figurative (like an economy pulling out of a recession). Be mindful of the context to ensure the imagery aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "begins to be pulled" when an active construction is more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The rope begins to be pulled by the machine", try "The machine begins to pull the rope."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins to pull" functions as a verb phrase indicating the start of a pulling action. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to describe both physical and abstract processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Food

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begins to pull" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the initiation of a pulling action, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Food-related content. When using "begins to pull", be mindful of the context to ensure the imagery aligns with your intended meaning and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Alternative phrases such as "starts to tug" or "commences to draw" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "begins to pull" is a reliable and effective phrase for indicating the start of a pulling motion or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to tug

Emphasizes a gentle or tentative pulling action.

commences to draw

Suggests a more formal or deliberate initiating of a pulling action.

initiates a pull

Focuses on the start of the pulling action, often implying a mechanical or forceful movement.

starts to extract

Implies a pulling action that removes something from a larger entity.

begins to haul

Suggests a strenuous pulling of something heavy or bulky.

starts to tow

Refers specifically to pulling something behind, usually with a vehicle.

commences traction

More technical and formal, often used in medical or engineering contexts.

starts retracting

Implies pulling something back or inward.

begins to dislodge

Suggests a pulling action that frees something from a fixed position.

starts to unwind

Implies the beginning of a process involving the releasing of something wrapped or coiled by pulling.

FAQs

How can I use "begins to pull" in a sentence?

You can use "begins to pull" to describe the start of a physical action, such as "The tide begins to pull the boat away from the shore", or a more abstract process, like "The company begins to pull back on its investments".

What are some alternatives to "begins to pull"?

Alternatives include "starts to tug", "commences to draw", or "initiates a pull", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "begins to pull" and "starts pulling"?

While similar, "begins to pull" emphasizes the initiation of the action, whereas "starts pulling" focuses more on the action itself. For instance, "He begins to pull the rope" highlights the starting moment, while "He starts pulling the rope" emphasizes the ongoing act of pulling.

When is it appropriate to use "begins to pull away" instead of just "pulls away"?

"Begins to pull away" is suitable when describing the initial separation or distancing of something. For example, "The meat begins to pull away from the bone when it's fully cooked" indicates the starting phase of separation. You could also say The cold pocket of air and its associated storminess over the region pulls away