pulled forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulled forward" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to something being moved or brought closer to the front of something else. Example: The teacher pulled forward the student's chair so they could see the whiteboard better. In this sentence, "pulled forward" is used to describe the action of physically moving the chair closer to the front of the classroom. It could also be used in a figurative sense, such as: The CEO pulled forward the company's innovative ideas to impress the investors. In this example, "pulled forward" is used to describe the act of bringing something to the forefront or highlighting it in a positive way.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The entire body is then pulled forward by the longitudinal muscles and reanchored.

Encyclopedia Britannica

God almighty!" As the car pulled forward, Spencer looked longingly into the dark.

The New Yorker

Always her hair, in a braided plait, was pulled forward over her left shoulder.

The New York Times - Arts

Fiction: "As the car pulled forward, Spencer looked longingly into the dark.

The New Yorker

One factor is the warm winter, which might have pulled forward economic activity from the spring.

The New York Times

An unusually warm winter pulled forward some hiring that normally occurs in the spring.

The Economist

"They've made him more a prisoner than ever," Gissin murmured as we pulled forward.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a result, the company pulled forward about $10 million in operating income.

The New York Times

The angel of history, said the Marxist Walter Benjamin, is pulled forward but keeps looking backward.

The Guardian - Arts

There are two bins of each item; when one bin is empty, the second is pulled forward.

The New York Times

I sheepishly pulled forward into the space and ended up a good two feet away from the curb.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pulled forward" to describe a change in scheduling, ensuring clarity by specifying what was moved and to when.

Common error

Avoid using "pulled forward" when the intended meaning is simply "pushed" or "moved" without the implication of changing a schedule or timeline. "Pulled forward" implies a change in timing, not just physical movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulled forward" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig confirms its typical use involves indicating the movement of something closer, either physically or temporally, or to expedite or accelerate a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pulled forward" is a versatile phrasal verb frequently used to denote either a physical movement towards the front or, more commonly, the act of advancing something in time, such as a schedule or financial reporting element. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its prevalence across varied contexts, from news and media to scientific and business domains. When using "pulled forward", it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure accurate communication. While very common, it is often mixed up with the single verb "pushed". Therefore, the writer should pay particular attention if the intended meaning involves either the modification of a deadline (where the verb "pulled forward" is more appropriate) or simply a displacement with no temporal implication (where it is not).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought forward

This alternative also means to advance something to an earlier date or time, maintaining similar implications.

advanced

Focuses on the act of moving something ahead in time or position, similar to "pulled forward" in certain contexts.

rescheduled earlier

Specifically emphasizes changing the timing of an event to an earlier date, directly related to shifting timelines.

moved up

Indicates a shift to an earlier point in time, retaining the core meaning of temporal advancement.

accelerated

Highlights the increase in speed or rate of progress, which can be associated with temporal advancement.

expedited

Focuses on speeding up a process or action, sharing the sense of urgency and advancement with the original phrase.

shifted ahead

Implies a change in position or time to a more forward location or date, similar to "pulled forward".

fast-tracked

Denotes an accelerated process to achieve results faster, sharing a sense of time sensitivity.

brought to the fore

Focuses on highlighting or emphasizing something, akin to moving it to a more prominent position.

drawn closer

Suggests reducing the distance or time until something happens, which relates to the concept of advancing.

FAQs

How can I use "pulled forward" in a sentence?

You can use "pulled forward" to describe physically moving something closer, like "She "pulled the chair forward"". It can also mean moving a date or event to an earlier time, as in "The meeting was "pulled forward to Tuesday"".

What is a synonym for "pulled forward" when referring to a schedule?

When referring to a schedule, you can use synonyms like "brought forward", "moved up", or "advanced". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "pulled forward" and "pushed forward"?

"Pulled forward" often implies a change in scheduling or timing, while "pushed forward" usually suggests exerting effort to advance a plan or idea. For instance, "The project was "pushed forward by the team"" means the team worked hard to make progress.

Is it correct to say something has been "pulled forward" in accounting?

Yes, in accounting, "pulled forward" often means recognizing income or expenses earlier than usual. This can be a legitimate accounting practice, but it can also raise concerns if it distorts financial reporting. Be aware of the context when you encounter the term.