going to pull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to pull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an intention or plan to retrieve, take, or exert effort in a specific context. Example: "I am going to pull the latest report from the database for our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm not going to pull out".

The New York Times

"I'm going to pull you in".

The New York Times - Sports

"They're not going to pull away prematurely".

The New York Times

"They are going to pull back.

The New York Times - Sports

He was going to pull it off.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not going to pull any punches.

The Guardian - Sport

We're going to pull through this.

The Guardian

They're probably going to pull closer together".

The New York Times

They're going to pull it off".

The New Yorker

"How were we going to pull this gag off?

The New York Times - Arts

"If you're going to pull the trigger, pull it far".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going to pull" to express a future action with a degree of certainty or intention. For example: "We are going to pull together a great team."

Common error

Avoid using "going to pull" when a more specific verb would provide clarity. For instance, instead of saying "They're going to pull data", consider using "They're going to extract data" if extraction is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to pull" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an intention or future action. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used in various contexts, from physical actions to abstract concepts such as withdrawing from a commitment or retrieving information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Sports

14%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going to pull" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express intentions, future actions, or predictions across various contexts. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, sports, and general conversation. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, writers should be mindful of selecting more specific verbs when greater clarity is needed. Be sure to consider alternatives for a more formal tone. The analysis also pinpoints common mistakes, like using it in places where a more specific verb will create better clarification for the readers. Given its prevalence and adaptability, "going to pull" remains a useful and relevant phrase in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will extract

Expresses a future action of taking something out.

about to extract

Focuses on the immediacy of taking something out.

getting ready to extract

Stresses the preparation for taking something out.

will retrieve

Expresses a future action of getting something back or obtaining it.

intending to retrieve

Highlights the plan to get something back or obtain it.

getting ready to retrieve

Stresses the preparation for getting something back or obtaining it.

planning to draw

Emphasizes the deliberate act of pulling or extracting something.

aiming to haul

Suggests pulling something heavy or with great effort.

preparing to yank

Indicates a sudden, forceful pulling action.

ready to tug

Implies a gentle or tentative pulling action.

FAQs

What does "going to pull" mean?

"Going to pull" generally means intending to extract, retrieve, or exert effort in a specific situation. Its meaning can vary based on context, ranging from physically pulling something to withdrawing from an activity.

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

You can use "going to pull" to describe an intention or a future action. For example, "I'm "going to pull out" of the deal" or "We're "going to pull together" to finish the project."

What are some alternatives to "going to pull"?

Alternatives include phrases like "about to extract", "planning to draw", or "intending to retrieve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it not appropriate to use "going to pull"?

It may not be appropriate when a more precise verb exists that better describes the action, or in formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using alternatives if the context requires a more formal tone.