Differences between pull off and put off
Pull off means to successfully accomplish something difficult or challenging, while put off means to delay or postpone something.
Meanings and Definitions: pull off vs put off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Pull off
- 1Manage to do something difficult or tricky
No - one thought that she would be able to do it, but she PULLED it OFF in the end.
- 2Start moving ( vehicles ).
When the lights turned green, the car PULLED OFF.
Put off
- 1Postpone.
The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's got a throat infection.
- 2Stop liking something or somebody.
I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.
Usage Examples: pull off, put off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
pull off
Example
She managed to pull off the difficult presentation.
Example
He always pulls off amazing stunts in his performances.
put off
Example
We need to put off the party because of the rain.
Example
She always puts off her homework until the last minute.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pull off
To achieve something that seems impossible or extremely difficult.
Example
With hard work and determination, he was able to accomplish the impossible and climb Mount Everest.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put off
delay/postpone
To reschedule or move something to a later time or date.
Example
We had to delay/postpone the meeting until next week due to scheduling conflicts.
To delay or avoid doing something that needs to be done.
Example
He tends to procrastinate when it comes to paying bills, which causes him stress later on.
To postpone or put aside something for a later time or date.
Example
We decided to shelve the project until we have more resources and time to work on it.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pull”
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
Differences in pull off vs put off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pull off or put off?
In daily conversation, people use put off more often than pull off. This is because put off is used for more routine situations such as delaying a meeting or postponing a task. Pull off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about successfully accomplishing something challenging. So, while both phrases are used, put off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pull off and put off
Pull off and put off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pull off and put off
The tone of pull off and put off can differ based on context. Pull off often carries a sense of accomplishment or pride when related to achieving a difficult task, while put off typically has a negative or procrastinating tone, especially when referring to delaying something that needs to be done.
