What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pull
Example
Can you help me pull this heavy box off the shelf? [pull: verb]
Example
She gave a gentle pull on the rope to test its strength. [pull: noun]
yank
Example
He yanked the door open and stormed out of the room. [yanked: past tense verb]
Example
She gave a hard yank on the leash to stop her dog from running away. [yank: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pull is more commonly used than yank in everyday language. Pull is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while yank is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pull and yank?
Both pull and yank can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pull is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
