What does the phrasal verb “pull in” mean?

What are the definitions of “pull in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. When a train arrives at a station.

  The train PULLED IN and we rushed to meet her as she got off.

• 2. Attract.

  Their last tour PULLED IN millions of fans.

• 3. Stop a car by the side of the road.

  I PULLED IN to let the passengers out.

• 4. Areest or take someone to a police station for questioning.

  The police PULLED them IN after the trouble.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull in is when a train arrives at a station. It can also mean stopping a car by the side of the road. For example, it can be used when a train arrives at its destination or when a driver stops their car to let passengers out.

What are the different verb forms of “pull in”?

Root Verb	pull in
Third Person Singular Present	pulls in
Present Participle	pulling in
Simple Past	pulled in
Past Participle	pulled in

Example

The train pulls in at 3 pm.

Example

She pulls in to the parking spot.

Example

He is pulling in to the gas station.

Example

Yesterday, they pulled in to the rest area.

Example

The car had pulled in just as we arrived.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pull in”?

📝

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 in” 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 train pulled in at the station.

Example

She pulled in to the parking spot.

📝

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 in” 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 train pulled in at the station.

Example

She pulled in to the parking spot.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull in”?

Pull in money

To earn or generate income.

Example

Her business started to pull in a lot of money after the first year.

Pull in viewers

To attract a large audience, especially for television shows or movies.

Example

The new TV series pulled in millions of viewers on its premiere night.

Pull in resources

To gather or collect resources, especially for a project or goal.

Example

The team pulled in all available resources to complete the project on time.

Good things to know

Does “pull in” have an informal or formal tone?

Pull in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing business matters, such as pulling in money, it can have a more formal tone.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pull in”?

Synonyms

• arrive
• attract
• stop
• park
• draw
• halt
• generate
• gather
• collect
• bring in

Antonyms

• depart
• leave
• exit
• repel
• disperse
• lose
• pull out
• drive away