pulled me back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulled me back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something caused you to return to a previous state or position, either physically or emotionally. Example: "Just when I thought I was ready to move on, a memory of our time together pulled me back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone grabbed my arm and pulled me back to safety.

The New York Times

"It would have pulled me back into the lagoon and had me for supper".

Independent

Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in again.

Independent

That pulled me back to the Farm 2 Fork booth, home of last week's massive short-rib sandwich.

The New York Times

"I was doing a shot with her and when they called 'action' she slightly pulled me back.

Independent

Patricia Seabrooks, one of Mr. Diomande's regulars from the Bronx, took my hand and pulled me back into line.

The New York Times - Arts

Just when I thought I was out - they pulled me back in," he added.

The Guardian

I lasted five months before the lure of the classroom pulled me back in".

The Guardian

It was despair that pulled me back to the ancient, childish quest.

The Guardian - Books

"The long arm of Queen has pulled me back in at the moment," Mr. May said.

The New York Times

"My clients pulled me back from that edge," he says with a small smile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of "pulled me back", use "lured me back" if temptation is involved, or "snapped me back" if it was sudden.

Common error

Avoid using "pulled me back" interchangeably with phrases that imply a different direction of movement. For example, "pushed me forward" has the opposite effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulled me back" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive phrasal verb, where "pulled" is the verb and "back" is the particle. It requires an object ("me") to complete its meaning. The phrase describes an action of causing someone or something to return to a previous state, position, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms it is valid and commonly used in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pulled me back" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a return to a previous state, place, or mindset. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. As highlighted in the usage analysis, while semantically correct, it's useful to consider semantically similar alternatives like "brought me back", "drew me back", or "reeling me back" for increased nuance or impact. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic settings, and is generally considered to have a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is causing the return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought me back

A more general term for causing a return to a previous state or location.

drew me back

Implies a gentle or persuasive return, often suggesting attraction or allure.

reeling me back

Suggests a forceful or sudden return, similar to reeling in a fish.

lured me back

Suggests a return motivated by a strong temptation or promise.

snapped me back

Indicates a sudden and often jarring return, like being jolted awake.

enticed me back

Implies a return motivated by attraction or desire.

coaxed me back

Suggests a gentle and persuasive return, often involving encouragement or flattery.

rescued me

Highlights the act of saving someone from a negative situation, implying a return to safety or stability.

restored me

Highlights the act of bringing someone or something back to a previous, better condition.

recovered me

Emphasizes the process of regaining something lost, whether it's a physical object or a state of mind.

FAQs

What does "pulled me back" mean?

The phrase "pulled me back" generally means that someone or something caused you to return to a previous state, place, or mindset. The force of return can be physical, emotional, or metaphorical.

What can I say instead of "pulled me back"?

You can use alternatives like "brought me back", "drew me back", or "reeling me back" depending on the context.

Is "pulled me back" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pulled me back" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object order and uses the past tense of the verb "pull".

How to use "pulled me back" in a sentence?

You can use "pulled me back" in a sentence like: "Just when I thought I was out, a memory of my childhood "pulled me back"."