What are the definitions of “pull up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Slow and stop a car.
The cab PULLED UP outside my house and I got out.
- 2Inform someone that they are wrong.
He PULLED me UP because I had got my facts wrong.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull up is to slow down and stop a vehicle, such as a car or a bike. It is often used when someone arrives at a destination or stops for a short time.
What are the different verb forms of “pull up”?
| Root Verb | pull up |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls up |
| Present Participle | pulling up |
| Simple Past | pulled up |
| Past Participle | pulled up |
Example
The bus pulled up at the bus stop.
Example
She pulls up in front of the store to pick up her groceries.
Example
He is pulling up to the curb to park his car.
Example
Yesterday, the delivery truck pulled up outside our house.
Example
The car had pulled up just as I was leaving.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“pull up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The taxi pulled up at the airport.
Example
The train pulled up at the station.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pull up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The taxi pulled up at the airport.
Example
The train pulled up at the station.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull up”?
Pull up a chair
To move a chair closer to a table or group of people, usually to join a conversation or activity.
Example
Please, pull up a chair and join us for dinner.
Pull up stakes
To leave a place, especially one's home, and move to another location.
Example
After living in the city for ten years, they decided to pull up stakes and move to the countryside.
Good things to know
Does “pull up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
