is pulling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pulling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is currently happening, often in the context of someone or something exerting force to draw something closer. Example: "The dog is pulling on its leash, eager to chase after the squirrel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everyone is pulling together".

The New York Times

"The consumer is pulling back".

The New York Times

The whole town is pulling for them.

The New Yorker

Grandma is pulling on her shawl.

The New Yorker

Oracle is pulling back from OpenSolaris.

The New York Times - Tech

Now it is pulling it apart.

The Economist

Everyone in this squad is pulling together".

Independent

And what is pulling us in?

The New York Times

Everybody is pulling for him.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Cain is pulled.

The Guardian - Sport

Batman is pulled over by the police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is pulling" to describe progress or teamwork, ensure the context clearly indicates collaborative effort, such as "The team is pulling together to meet the deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "is pulling" passively when an active construction is more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The cart is being pulled by the horse", use "The horse is pulling the cart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pulling" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It indicates an action that is currently in progress. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's versatile, describing physical actions like pulling a rope or metaphorical actions like pulling strings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pulling" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating an action in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. While neutral in register, its specific meaning shifts based on context and prepositions. Whether describing a physical action, teamwork, or strategic withdrawal, understanding its nuances enables more precise and effective communication. Avoiding passive constructions and being mindful of contextual implications are key to leveraging its power effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is drawing

Emphasizes the act of bringing something closer, similar to exerting a force to move an object or idea.

is tugging

Implies a forceful or sudden pull, often against resistance.

is dragging

Suggests pulling something heavy or unwillingly.

is hauling

Describes the action of pulling something large or bulky.

is extracting

Focuses on the removal of something by pulling it out.

is retracting

Indicates pulling something back or inward.

is withdrawing

Suggests removing oneself or something from a situation.

is luring

Implies attracting someone or something, often deceptively.

is enticing

Highlights the attractiveness of what is pulling.

is attracting

Focuses on the inherent force drawing something in.

FAQs

How can I use "is pulling" in a sentence?

You can use "is pulling" to describe the action of exerting force to move something towards you, like in the sentence "The child is pulling the wagon". It can also describe withdrawing from something, as in "The company is pulling out of the deal".

What are some alternatives to "is pulling"?

Depending on the context, you could use "is drawing", "is tugging", or "is dragging". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "is pulling" in a formal setting?

"Is pulling" can be used in formal settings when describing a strategic withdrawal or exertion of influence, as in "The investor is pulling their funds from the market" or "The senator is pulling strings to get the bill passed".

How does the meaning of "is pulling" change with different prepositions?

The meaning changes significantly with different prepositions. "Is pulling for" means supporting someone, "is pulling out" means withdrawing, and "is pulling together" means collaborating.