pull back

USAGE SUMMARY

'pull back' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to mean to retreat, to withdraw, or to withhold. For example, "The police ordered the protestors to pull back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

pull back right away.

The New York Times

So I pull back".

The New Yorker

"Pull back, pull back!" they hollered.

The New York Times - Arts

Pull back and reveal.

The Guardian

Sharif agreed to pull back his troops.

Independent

"Now it is having to pull back".

The New York Times

General Mills would not pull back.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then Murrow seemed to pull back.

The New Yorker

"Pull back the Army," he said.

The New Yorker

We have just had to pull back".

The New York Times

They don't pull back on anybody.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull back" when you want to convey a sense of strategic withdrawal or reconsideration, whether in a physical, emotional, or intellectual context.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "pull back", which means to retreat or withdraw, with "push back", which means to resist or oppose. Using the wrong phrase can completely alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull back" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of retreating or withdrawing. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts, from military maneuvers to financial decisions. Examples show it used both literally (physically pulling something) and figuratively (withdrawing support or investment).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pull back" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a range of actions involving retreat, withdrawal, or retraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a neutral term suitable for various contexts, from military strategy to financial decisions. The frequency of "pull back" in news sources and WikiHow underscores its widespread applicability. When using "pull back", it's crucial to avoid confusion with similar phrases like "push back" and to ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of strategic withdrawal or reconsideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw

Focuses on a formal or complete removal from a situation or position.

retreat

Emphasizes a strategic movement away from an enemy or a challenging situation.

recede

Implies a gradual withdrawal or decrease in intensity.

back down

Suggests conceding or giving up a position in an argument or conflict.

retract

Highlights the act of taking back a statement or promise.

take back

A more direct way of saying "retract", indicating a reversal of a previous action or statement.

step back

Indicates a temporary withdrawal to gain perspective or avoid over-involvement.

reconsider

Focuses on rethinking a decision or plan.

reassess

Implies evaluating a situation again to make necessary adjustments.

back off

Suggests reducing pressure or aggression in a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "pull back" to describe a physical retreat, as in "The troops were ordered to pull back", or to indicate a withdrawal from a commitment, as in "The company decided to pull back its investment".

What are some alternatives to "pull back"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "withdraw", "retreat", or "recede" as alternatives to "pull back".

Is it correct to say "pull back on" something?

Yes, it is correct. You can say "pull back on" a plan, for example, to mean you are reducing or reconsidering your involvement. You can also use "scale back" in such a context.

What is the difference between "pull back" and "back off"?

"Pull back" often implies a planned or strategic withdrawal, while "back off" often suggests a response to pressure or a desire to avoid conflict. They are similar, but "pull back" can be more formal or deliberate.