pull the door

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull the door" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone opening a door, for example: "Diana pulled the door and stepped out into the hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

You pull the door handle.

The New Yorker

See how I pull the door to.

The New Yorker

Then, he tried to pull the door off.

The New York Times

At this point DuBose appears to pull the door shut and start up the engine.

The Guardian

The nifty tailgate pops the glass up as you pull the door open.

The New York Times

Grip the hooks and pull the door out, then remove it from the track and set it aside.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Another member of the congregation began motioning to Rabbi Blonsky to pull the doors from the top.

The New Yorker

They pull the doors open and get down on to the track, that's the worst thing you can have.

The Guardian - Business

Take the screws out of hinges and pull the doors off of frames.

WikiHow

Use needle-nose pliers to pull the doors and the small springs from the narrow holes of the side chambers.

WikiHow

"He pulls the door open.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull the door" when describing the action of drawing a door towards oneself to open or close it. Ensure the context clearly indicates which direction the door is being moved.

Common error

Avoid using "pull the door" when the intended action is to push it. Double-check whether the door opens towards you or away from you to ensure accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull the door" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a physical action. It indicates the act of drawing a door towards oneself, typically to open or close it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pull the door" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, describing the action of drawing a door towards oneself. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, serving to instruct, describe, or narrate. When using this phrase, be mindful to differentiate it from pushing actions and consider alternative expressions like "draw the door" for subtle variations in meaning. Always ensure the context clarifies whether the action results in opening or closing the door.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open the door

Focuses on the result of pulling, which is the action of opening.

close the door

Represents the opposite action of pulling the door open.

draw the door

Emphasizes the motion of moving the door towards oneself.

yank the door

Implies a sudden and forceful pulling action on the door.

tug the door

Suggests a gentle or hesitant pulling action on the door.

push the door

Indicates the opposite action of moving the door away from oneself.

handle the door

Focuses on the act of managing or dealing with the door.

reach for the door

Highlights the initial action of extending one's hand towards the door.

unlock the door

Focuses on disengaging the locking mechanism of the door.

enter through the door

Emphasizes the action of passing through the doorway.

FAQs

How do I use "pull the door" in a sentence?

You can use "pull the door" in sentences like: "She decided to "pull the door" shut to keep the noise out", or "Before entering, remember to "pull the door" gently".

What's the difference between "pull the door" and "open the door"?

"Pull the door" describes the physical action of pulling, while "open the door" focuses on the result of that action, which is to make the door no longer closed. You may "pull the door" to open it, but also to close it.

What can I say instead of "pull the door"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "draw the door", "close the door", or "yank the door" if you want to imply a forceful movement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pull the door"?

Yes, "pull the door" is grammatically correct and a common way to describe the action of pulling a door, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.