pull off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe successfully achieving or executing something, often something difficult or unexpected. Example: "Despite the challenges, she managed to pull off a stunning performance at the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Difficult to pull off.

Independent

Pull off the Band-Aid.

The New York Times

Can he pull off "statesmanlike"?

The Economist

more difficult to pull off.

The New York Times

Easy to pull off?

The Guardian - Opinion

Was that hard to pull off?

The New Yorker

It is not easy to pull off.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, LastPass cannot pull off that trick.

The New York Times - Tech

Was this hard to pull off?

The New Yorker

That will be tricky to pull off.

The Economist

Did Microsoft just pull off the impossible?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull off" to mean 'succeed', ensure the context suggests a degree of difficulty or improbability in the achievement. For simpler successes, use alternatives like "achieve" or "accomplish".

Common error

Avoid using "pull off" when the action is straightforward and requires little effort. Overusing it can make your writing sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pull off" is a phrasal verb. As a phrasal verb, it combines a verb ("pull") with a particle ("off") to create a new meaning, often indicating achievement or removal, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pull off" is a versatile expression primarily used to convey successful achievement in the face of difficulty or the act of removing something by force. Ludwig AI confirms that "pull off" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, as well as in Wiki contexts. When choosing "pull off", consider the desired level of formality and the degree of challenge involved in the action. For more formal situations, alternatives like "accomplish" or "achieve" may be more suitable. While highly versatile, be mindful of overuse and contextual appropriateness to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage

Emphasizes the skill or effort required to overcome obstacles.

succeed

A more general term for achieving a desired outcome, omitting the nuance of difficulty.

achieve

Focuses on the accomplishment itself, without necessarily implying a challenge.

accomplish

Similar to achieve, but often implies a more planned and deliberate effort.

execute successfully

More formal and emphasizes the successful completion of a task or plan.

bring about

Focuses on causing something to happen, often with a sense of purpose.

negotiate

Highlights the process of overcoming challenges and achieving a resolution.

detach

Refers specifically to the physical act of separating something.

remove

A general term for taking something away, without implying force or difficulty.

maneuver

Implies skillful or strategic movement to achieve a goal.

FAQs

What does "pull off" mean?

The phrase "pull off" has several meanings, including successfully achieving something difficult, removing something by pulling, or turning a vehicle off a road.

What can I say instead of "pull off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "succeed", "achieve", "manage", or "remove".

How to use "pull off" in a sentence?

You can say: "She managed to "pull off" the project despite numerous obstacles" or "He had to "pull off" the road because he felt sick".

Is "pull off" formal or informal?

"Pull off" is generally considered informal to neutral. In professional or academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "accomplish" or "execute successfully" depending on the context.