What are the definitions of “pull yourself together”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become calm or regain control of your emotions.
He was so angry that he couldn't PULL HIMSELF TOGETHER.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull yourself together”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull yourself together is to become calm or regain control of your emotions. It is often used when someone is upset, angry, or overwhelmed and needs to regain their composure.
What are the different verb forms of “pull yourself together”?
| Root Verb | pull yourself together |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls themselves together |
| Present Participle | pulling themselves together |
| Simple Past | pulled themselves together |
| Past Participle | pulled themselves together |
Example
After the argument, she needed a moment to pull herself together.
Example
He always pulls himself together quickly after a setback.
Example
She is pulling herself together after receiving the bad news.
Example
They pulled themselves together and continued with the presentation.
Example
After a moment of panic, she had pulled herself together and found a solution.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull yourself together”?
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 yourself together” 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
She needed a moment to pull herself together.
Example
He pulled himself together after the shock.
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 yourself together” 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
She needed a moment to pull herself together.
Example
He pulled himself together after the shock.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull yourself together”?
Good things to know
Does “pull yourself together” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull yourself together is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use alternative expressions, such as 'regain composure' or 'compose oneself'.
