pull over

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command to tell someone to stop their car and park it on the side of the road. Example: "The police officer shouted "pull over!" at the driver of the speeding car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Pull over just there.

The New Yorker

"Pull over," I yelled.

The Guardian - Music

"Pull over," he said.

The New Yorker

"Pull over!" yelps my sister.

The Guardian - Travel

And if the suspect doesn't pull over?

The New York Times

"Pull over at the next bookstore.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

A truck pulled over.

The New York Times

Batman is pulled over by the police.

The New York Times

Have I been mistakenly pulled over?

The New York Times

She pulled over to the shoulder.

The New Yorker

Another vehicle pulled over, then several more.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "pull over", ensure there's sufficient space and safety for them to do so. Specify a landmark or location if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "pull over" when you mean simply to "stop" or "park". "Pull over" specifically implies moving to the side of the road, not just halting in place.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pull over" is as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples show its usage in imperative sentences, often as a command to stop a vehicle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull over" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to instruct someone to stop their vehicle at the side of the road. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, and examples show its use in both imperative and descriptive contexts. It maintains a neutral register, suitable for various situations from formal instructions to casual conversation. Although classified as uncommon in frequency, its clear purpose and widespread understanding make it an essential phrase in everyday communication. The most common usage, as suggested by Ludwig, is in News & Media and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull to the side

This emphasizes the movement towards the roadside, similar to "pull over", but less direct.

stop the car

This is a more general and straightforward way to ask someone to halt their vehicle. It lacks the implication of moving to the side of the road.

halt the vehicle

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.

stop at the roadside

Highlights the location where the action of stopping should occur.

bring the car to a standstill

A formal and descriptive way of saying to stop the vehicle completely.

find a safe place to stop

This emphasizes safety and planning before stopping, suitable in hazardous conditions.

park the car

Implies finding a designated parking spot, rather than simply stopping on the side of the road.

come to a halt

This phrase focuses on the action of stopping, applicable to more than just vehicles.

cease driving

A very formal and less common way to say to stop driving.

desist from driving

Extremely formal and uncommon, implying a more permanent cessation of driving.

FAQs

How do I properly use "pull over" in a sentence?

Use "pull over" to instruct someone to stop their vehicle on the side of the road. For example, "The officer signaled the driver to pull over."

What's a more formal way to say "pull over"?

A more formal alternative would be "bring the vehicle to a standstill", though it's less common in everyday conversation.

When is it inappropriate to use "pull over"?

Avoid using "pull over" if you simply mean to stop the car in its current lane or to park in a designated parking spot.

What is the difference between "pull over" and "pull up"?

"Pull over" generally implies stopping at the side of the road, whereas "pull up" suggests stopping briefly, often in front of a location.