pull out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of extracting something, particularly when speaking figuratively. For example, "The team decided to pull out of the competition after their star player was injured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We didn't pull out.

The New York Times

Should America pull out?

The Economist

He has to pull out".

The New York Times

He'd meant to pull out.

The New Yorker

Pull out the best stories.

WikiHow

Pull out your tiny brush.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, pull out the beards.

The New York Times - Health

She may yet pull out.

The Economist

Why not just pull out?

The New Yorker

Pull out the stopper!

The Times

Pull out the color.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull out" in the context of military or political strategy, ensure the sentence clearly indicates the entity withdrawing and the location or situation from which they are withdrawing.

Common error

Avoid using "pull out" when a simple "remove" or "extract" would be more precise. "Pull out" often implies a more significant or strategic withdrawal rather than a simple removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pull out" primarily functions as a verb indicating withdrawal, extraction, or removal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Examples demonstrate its flexibility in describing both physical actions (extracting an object) and strategic decisions (withdrawing from an agreement).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pull out" is a versatile and commonly used expression, primarily denoting withdrawal or extraction. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts, from news reports to instructional guides. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for diverse communication needs. Alternatives like "withdraw" or "extract" may be more appropriate in certain formal situations. To avoid misinterpretations, it's essential to ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject withdrawing and the object being extracted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw

Refers to the act of removing oneself or something else from a situation or place.

extract

Emphasizes the process of removing something from within something else, often with effort.

retreat

Specifically suggests a strategic withdrawal, often in a military or competitive context.

back out

Implies a decision to not proceed with a previously agreed-upon plan or commitment.

disengage

Suggests a deliberate act of separating or detaching from something.

remove

A general term for taking something away from a place or position.

take out

Similar to extract, implying the removal of something from a container or enclosed space.

bow out

Suggests a formal withdrawal, often from a competition or position.

recant

Denotes withdrawing a previously held statement or belief.

evacuate

Indicates a withdrawal from a dangerous area, often for safety reasons.

FAQs

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

You can use "pull out" to describe withdrawing from a situation, like "The company decided to "pull out" of the deal". It can also mean extracting something, such as "He had to "pull out" the splinter from his finger".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "pull out"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "pull out" include "withdraw", "extract", "retreat", or "back out".

Is it more appropriate to use "pull out" or "withdraw" in formal writing?

While both are acceptable, "withdraw" might be more suitable in formal writing, especially when discussing political or military actions. "Pull out" is often used in more casual or general contexts.

What does "pull out all the stops" mean, and how is it related to "pull out"?

"Pull out all the stops" is an idiom that means to do everything possible to succeed. It is related to "pull out" in the sense that it involves using all available resources, but it has a distinct idiomatic meaning.