pull together

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull together" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that people should cooperate to achieve a common goal. For example: "We must pull together if we want to reach our target of raising $10,000 for the charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They'll all pull together.

The New York Times - Sports

Reason enough to pull together.

The Economist

"We had to pull together.

The New York Times - Sports

"We should all pull together.

The Guardian - Sport

We're going to pull together.

The New York Times - Magazine

We pull together as a nation.

The New York Times

"This is the time to pull together".

The New York Times - Sports

The sooner we pull together the better.

The New York Times

And yet Pakistan does not pull together.

The Economist

"We've got to pull together," he said.

The New York Times

"We should've been able to pull together".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull together", ensure the context clearly indicates a need for cooperation or unity towards a shared objective. This phrase is particularly effective in situations where overcoming challenges requires collective effort.

Common error

Avoid using "pull together" to describe individual accomplishments or efforts. This phrase inherently implies a group activity or shared purpose, so it's inappropriate when referring to a solo endeavor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull together" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, often used to encourage or describe collective action. Examples from Ludwig, such as "We need to pull together and move forward," illustrate its use in urging cooperation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pull together" is a very common expression that encourages unity and cooperation towards a common objective. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Sport contexts. While generally neutral in tone, leaning toward informal, it's most effective when emphasizing the need for collective action, especially when facing challenges. To avoid misuse, remember that "pull together" is not suitable for individual endeavors. Alternatives like ""collaborate"" or ""combine efforts"" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work together

A straightforward description of joint effort.

unite

Emphasizes the act of coming together as one.

cooperate

Focuses on working jointly towards a common goal.

combine efforts

Focuses on the pooling of resources and energy.

collaborate

Highlights a more structured and involved working relationship.

stand united

Emphasizes a firm and unwavering collective stance.

join forces

Suggests a strategic alliance or partnership.

band together

Implies a sense of solidarity, often in the face of adversity.

act in concert

Suggests a harmonious and coordinated action.

get behind

More casual way to express supporting a cause together.

FAQs

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

Use "pull together" to encourage teamwork and cooperation. For instance, "We need to "pull together" to meet this deadline" suggests that collaborative effort is essential for success.

What is a more formal alternative to "pull together"?

In professional settings, consider using alternatives like "collaborate" or "combine efforts". These options convey a similar meaning with a more refined tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "pull together"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "pull together" when describing individual work or achievements. The phrase inherently requires multiple participants working towards a shared goal. Avoid using it in contexts where only one person is involved.

What's the difference between "pull together" and "work together"?

"Pull together" often implies overcoming adversity or challenges through cooperation, while "work together" is a more general term for collaboration. "Pull together" can suggest a stronger sense of urgency or necessity.