pulled the gun

USAGE SUMMARY

'pulled the gun' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It could be used in any situation where someone is retrieving a gun. For example, "John pulled the gun from his holster and aimed it at the man standing in his doorway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"He pulled the gun and ran through the warehouse".

The New York Times

When the trigger was pulled, the gun went off".

The New York Times

The man finally pulled the gun from his pants.

The New York Times

He added: "He pulled the gun out on teenagers.

Independent

"Once he sat down, he pulled the gun".

The New York Times

"I really don't know who pulled the gun," Cox said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Both horses and mules pulled the guns, though only horses were used on the battlefield.

Wikipedia

One soldier ordered the brother to pull the gun out.

The New York Times

Through the smoke, Writerley never saw him pull the gun from the drawer.

The Economist

"Trying to pull the gun out of her hands," he responded.

The New Yorker

The caller said the boy was pulling the gun in and out of his trousers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pulled the gun" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the intent and consequences of the action. Specify any additional details that may be relevant to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "pulled the gun" without providing adequate context. Always clarify why the gun was pulled and what happened next. For example, specify whether it was in self-defense, aggression, or another situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulled the gun" functions as a verbal phrase, typically part of a clause describing an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe a specific action in a narrative or report.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pulled the gun" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of taking a gun out, usually in a context of conflict or threat. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, and its communicative purpose is primarily to describe a specific action. Alternative phrases like "drew the gun" or "brandished the gun" can be used to add nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drew the gun

Replaces "pulled" with "drew", emphasizing the act of drawing or extracting the gun.

unholstered the gun

Specifically describes removing the gun from a holster.

brandished the gun

Suggests a more aggressive or threatening display of the gun.

took out the gun

A simpler and more general way of saying someone removed the gun.

produced the gun

Indicates the act of bringing the gun into view or making it visible.

whipped out the gun

Conveys a sudden and rapid action of taking out the gun.

revealed the gun

Focuses on the act of making the gun visible after it was concealed.

extracted the gun

Emphasizes the act of carefully removing the gun from somewhere.

displayed the gun

Highlights the act of showing the gun, often in a threatening manner.

retrieved the gun

Focuses on getting the gun back or taking it out of storage.

FAQs

What does "pulled the gun" mean?

The phrase "pulled the gun" means to take a gun out, typically from a holster, pocket, or other concealed location, often implying a threatening or defensive action.

What are some alternatives to "pulled the gun"?

You can use alternatives like "drew the gun", "brandished the gun", or "produced the gun" depending on the context.

How to use "pulled the gun" in a sentence?

Example: "The suspect "pulled the gun" and aimed it at the officer."

What is the register of the phrase "pulled the gun"?

The register of ""pulled the gun"" is generally neutral, though the specific context can make it more formal or informal. It is commonly used in news reports and narratives describing a crime or violent act.