pull away

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used both literally and figuratively, and it is usually used to refer to something being detached from another thing. Example: We watched as the raft slowly pulled away from the pier.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He doesn't pull away.

The New York Times - Health

And then advertisers pull away.

The New York Times

Neither team could pull away.

The New York Times - Sports

Gamrod managed to pull away.

The New Yorker

He had to pull away.

The Guardian - Sport

We are about to pull away.

The New York Times

Russia and China will pull away.

Independent

Everybody else would just pull away.

Independent

When he did, I would pull away.

The New York Times

The car started to pull away.

The New York Times

She is trying to pull away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull away" to describe both physical movement (e.g., a car pulling away from the curb) and abstract concepts (e.g., a company pulling away from a deal).

Common error

While "pull away" is versatile, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "withdraw", "recede", or "disengage" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pull away" functions primarily as a verb of motion or separation. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe both physical movement and more abstract notions of detachment or withdrawal. It can also indicate gaining a lead in a competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

29%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull away" is a versatile phrasal verb with a straightforward meaning of moving or withdrawing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "withdraw" in professional contexts. The examples indicate frequent use in news and media, and in wikis. Remember to use "pull away" for both physical movements and metaphorical detachments, ensuring that you are describing an action of creating separation or distancing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move away

This alternative focuses on the action of physically distancing oneself.

draw back

This implies a more cautious or deliberate retreat.

recede

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or decline.

retreat

Implies withdrawing from a position or situation, often due to pressure.

disengage

Focuses on ending involvement or connection.

break free

Suggests escaping from restraint or confinement.

detach

Highlights the separation of one thing from another.

extract oneself

Implies a deliberate effort to remove oneself from a situation.

distance oneself

Emphasizes creating emotional or social separation.

step back

Indicates a temporary withdrawal to gain perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "pull away" in a sentence?

You can use "pull away" to describe physical movement, such as "The car "pulled away" from the traffic light", or to describe a more abstract action, such as "The company decided to "pull away" from the negotiations".

What does "pull away" mean?

"Pull away" generally means to move or withdraw from something or someone, either physically or metaphorically.

Which is correct, "pull away" or "pulling away"?

Both "pull away" and "pulling away" are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Pull away" is the base form of the verb, while "pulling away" is the present participle or gerund form, used in continuous tenses or as a noun.

What can I say instead of "pull away"?

You can use alternatives like "move away", "draw back", or "recede" depending on the specific context.