What are the definitions of “pull away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When a vehicle moves from a place.
The car PULLED AWAY from the lights at high speed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull away is when a vehicle starts moving from a stationary position or leaves a place. For example, it can mean a car leaving a parking spot or a bus moving away from a bus stop.
What are the different verb forms of “pull away”?
| Root Verb | pull away |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls away |
| Present Participle | pulling away |
| Simple Past | pulled away |
| Past Participle | pulled away |
Example
The bus pulls away from the bus stop.
Example
She pulls away from the curb carefully.
Example
The train is pulling away from the station.
Example
He pulled away from the traffic light when it turned green.
Example
The taxi had pulled away before she could get in.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull away”?
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 away” 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 car pulled away from the parking spot.
Example
The bus pulled away as soon as the passengers got off.
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 away” 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 car pulled away from the parking spot.
Example
The bus pulled away as soon as the passengers got off.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull away”?
To gain an advantage or lead over others in a race or contest.
Example
The runner pulled away from the competition in the final lap.
Good things to know
Does “pull away” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as news reports or official documents, depending on the specific context.
