What are the definitions of “pull through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Recover from and illness or problem.
At one stage it looked as if she was going to die, but she PULLED THROUGH in the end.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull through is to recover from an illness or a difficult situation. It means that someone has managed to overcome a challenging time, such as a health problem or a crisis.
What are the different verb forms of “pull through”?
| Root Verb | pull through |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls through |
| Present Participle | pulling through |
| Simple Past | pulled through |
| Past Participle | pulled through |
Example
She was very sick, but she pulled through with the help of her doctors.
Example
He always pulls through when faced with challenges.
Example
They are pulling through the difficult times together.
Example
He pulled through a severe illness last year.
Example
She has pulled through many hardships in her life.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull through”?
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 through” 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
Despite the odds, he pulled through the illness.
Example
The company pulled through the economic crisis.
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 through” 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
Despite the odds, he pulled through the illness.
Example
The company pulled through the economic crisis.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull through”?
Good things to know
Does “pull through” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.