pull away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull away from" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase means to draw back or move away from someone or something. For example, "The driver of the car pulled away from the curb and drove away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now I realize I pull away from introverts.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

But he soon started to pull away from the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

Why do we pull away from colleagues we envy?

Harvard Business Review

It's really important to pull away from that".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it has to pull away from the curb.

The New York Times

And still the Devils cannot pull away from Toronto.

The New York Times - Sports

A taxi was about to pull away from the curb.

The New Yorker

The shrinking vitreous can tug on the retina and pull away from it.

Harvard University

When I heard her car pull away from the curb and drive off, I felt relieved.

The New York Times

Do you think we should pull away from gender as such a powerful organizing principle?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull away from" to describe both physical and emotional separation, depending on the context. Ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "pull away from" multiple times in a single paragraph or passage. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "withdraw from" or "distance oneself from" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull away from" typically functions as a phrasal verb indicating movement or separation, either physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pull away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe both physical and emotional detachment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used across a wide range of contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, remember that this phrase can be used to describe both tangible movements, like a car leaving a curb, and more abstract concepts, such as distancing oneself from a relationship. Be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives like "withdraw from" to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move away from

Indicates a shift in position or focus.

break away from

Implies a forceful or abrupt separation.

step back from

Suggests creating distance for a better perspective.

withdraw from

Suggests a more subtle or gradual retreat.

distance oneself from

Focuses on creating emotional or psychological space.

disengage from

Suggests ending involvement or participation.

recoil from

Implies a sudden or involuntary movement away, often due to fear or disgust.

detach oneself from

Highlights the act of becoming disconnected or disengaged.

extract oneself from

Implies a careful and possibly difficult removal.

separate oneself from

Emphasizes a more formal or deliberate act of detachment.

FAQs

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

You can use "pull away from" to describe a physical movement, as in "The car "pulled away from" the curb", or an emotional distancing, as in "She "pulled away from" the relationship after the argument".

What's the difference between "pull away from" and "move away from"?

"Pull away from" often implies a deliberate act of creating distance, while "move away from" can be more general and less intentional. For example, you might "pull away from" a conversation you dislike, but simply "move away from" a crowded area.

What are some situations where I should avoid using "pull away from"?

Avoid using "pull away from" in highly formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. In those cases, opt for alternatives like ""withdraw from"" or "disengage from".

Which is correct, "pull away from" or "pull away from of"?

"Pull away from" is the correct and standard usage. Adding "of" is grammatically incorrect. For example, say "I "pulled away from" the crowd" not "I "pulled away from of" the crowd".