pull loose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull loose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of removing or detaching something that is not firmly secured. Example: "He had to pull loose the wires from the circuit board to make the necessary repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If overtightened, the screw may pull loose.

The New York Times

His fis' stuck, en he can't pull loose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What if a wave tipped my boat and the skirt didn't pull loose?

The New York Times

He reached around to his backside to pull loose his shorts.

The New York Times - Magazine

A traditional striped scarf tied in the tried-and-true manner (fold in half, center at back of neck; pull loose ends through the loop created by the fold).

The New York Times

But, apparently in a reference to the Democrats, Mr. McClellan added, "It appears that some are unable to pull loose from the grip of powerful personal-injury trial lawyers".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

feet before the canopy pulled loose.

The New York Times

Simon had pulled loose from his catheter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gloss was patted on dewy cheeks to catch wisps pulled loose around the hairline.

The New York Times

Back on Earth, entire countries were pulled loose from their moorings.

The New York Times - Arts

Light fixtures pulled loose from the ceiling, crashing on the floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull loose" to describe the action of something becoming detached or separated due to force or insufficient fastening. For example, "The wire might pull loose if you tug on it too hard."

Common error

Avoid confusing "loose" (not firmly attached) with "lose" (to misplace something). "Pull loose" correctly describes something detaching; "pull lose" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull loose" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action where something is being detached or becoming separated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is acceptable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pull loose" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something detaching or becoming separated, often due to force or inadequate fastening. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. To avoid confusion, remember that "loose" refers to something not firmly attached, unlike "lose", which means to misplace something. Alternatives like "detach", "come undone", and "break free" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detach

This is a single word that directly means to separate or unfasten.

come undone

Describes something that was previously fastened and has become separated.

break free

Implies escaping from a constraint or hold.

work free

Suggests effort is required to detach something.

separate

A general term for causing something to become divided or distinct.

unfasten

Specifically refers to opening or releasing a fastener.

dislodge

Implies forcing something out of its position.

yank free

Suggests a sudden and forceful pulling action.

tear away

Indicates a forceful separation, often causing damage.

rip off

Implies a violent or forceful removal.

FAQs

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

You can use "pull loose" to describe something becoming detached, such as "If the screw is overtightened, it may "pull loose"".

What does "pull loose" mean?

"Pull loose" means to become detached or separated from something, often due to a pulling force or inadequate fastening.

What can I say instead of "pull loose"?

You can use alternatives like "detach", "come undone", or "break free" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pulled lose" instead of "pulled loose"?

No, "pulled lose" is incorrect. The correct phrase is "pulled loose", where "loose" describes the state of being unfastened.