What are the definitions of “pull over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop by the side of the road.
The police PULLED the car OVER.
- 2Make a vehicle stop.
The police PULLED the car OVER and tested the driver for alcohol.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull over is to stop a vehicle by the side of the road. It can be used when a driver decides to stop their car or when the police ask a driver to stop their vehicle.
What are the different verb forms of “pull over”?
| Root Verb | pull over |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls over |
| Present Participle | pulling over |
| Simple Past | pulled over |
| Past Participle | pulled over |
Example
If you need to check the map, pull over and stop the car.
Example
She pulls over to answer her phone while driving.
Example
He is pulling over to let the ambulance pass.
Example
Yesterday, the police pulled over a speeding car.
Example
The car was pulled over for a broken taillight.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull over”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“pull over” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The police pulled over the car for speeding.
Example
He pulled the car over to the side of the road.
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 over” 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 police pulled over the car for speeding.
Example
He pulled the car over to the side of the road.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull over”?
Good things to know
Does “pull over” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull over 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, such as news reports or legal documents, depending on the context.
