she pulled over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she pulled over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone stops their vehicle at the side of the road. Example: "After noticing the flashing lights behind her, she pulled over to let the police car pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

She pulled over to the shoulder.

The New Yorker

She pulled over, and ran into the road.

The New Yorker

After she pulled over, an officer came to her window and asked her for her licence and registration.

The Guardian

Rushing to a meeting in Madrid a few years ago, she pulled over to the side of the road to hear her voice mail.

The New York Times

She pulled over and stopped in a sort of rest area, although it was really no more than a patch of ground big enough for trucks to park on.

The New Yorker

Hugh pointed out the window, at a lump of dirty fur lying beside a fallen tree, and Pat carolled, "Roadkill!" Then she pulled over, so we could take a closer look.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

She pulls over and they both weep.

The Washington Post

She pulls over, her windscreen shattered, the sugar beet in the passenger seat, giving off "an earthy smell, like wet earth, like something rotting in the earth".

The Guardian - Books

She pulls over, approaches cautiously and hears from inside the car a woman's voice — not screaming or moaning, but "a sort of muttering," in "a low, conversational tone".

The New York Times - Books

She pulls over, hops onto the roof, and tries the directional antenna again.

Science Magazine

On the road now in California, she pulls over at night to sleep but is awakened the following morning by a California Highway Patrolman; he can tell something is wrong because of her furtive, anxious behavior.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she pulled over" when you want to clearly indicate that someone stopped their car, typically at the side of the road, whether due to a problem, a request, or a need to stop.

Common error

Avoid using "she pulled over" when the context suggests a more permanent stop like parking. "Pulling over" typically implies a temporary halt, whereas "parking" indicates a more intentional and longer stop. Be mindful of the specific scenario to choose the most appropriate verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she pulled over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of stopping a vehicle at the side of the road. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this function in diverse narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she pulled over" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a woman stopping her vehicle, usually at the side of the road. Ludwig confirms its correctness and frequent use in various contexts, primarily within news and media. While alternatives like "she stopped the car" or "she pulled to the side of the road" exist, "she pulled over" provides a clear and concise way to convey this specific action. Pay attention to context to ensure it appropriately describes a temporary stop rather than a more permanent one like parking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she stopped the car

Focuses on the action of stopping the car, a direct and simple alternative.

she pulled to the side of the road

Specifies the location of the stop, adding more detail.

she parked the vehicle

Implies a more deliberate and potentially longer stop than a simple "pulling over".

she brought the car to a halt

Emphasizes the abruptness or finality of the stop.

she edged the car over

Implies moving to the side of the road, possibly in response to another vehicle or situation.

she steered the car aside

Focuses on the act of steering, suggesting a controlled movement to the side.

she came to a stop

A more general way of saying she stopped, not specific to pulling over.

she halted the automobile

Uses more formal language to describe stopping a vehicle.

she ceased driving

Emphasizes the cessation of the driving action, rather than the location.

she killed the engine

Highlights the action of turning off the engine after stopping, emphasizing a complete stop.

FAQs

What does "she pulled over" mean?

The phrase "she pulled over" means that a female driver stopped her car, usually at the side of the road. This can be for various reasons, such as responding to a police request, dealing with an emergency, or simply needing to rest.

What can I say instead of "she pulled over"?

You can use alternatives like "she stopped the car", "she pulled to the side of the road", or "she parked the vehicle" depending on the context.

Is "she pulled over" formal or informal language?

The phrase "she pulled over" is considered neutral in formality and is suitable for most writing contexts, including news reports, fiction, and general conversation. More formal alternatives might exist, but this phrase is widely accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "she pulled over" in a sentence?

Use "she pulled over" when you want to describe the action of a female driver stopping her vehicle, usually at the roadside. For example, "After noticing the flashing lights behind her, "she pulled over" to let the police car pass."