PHRASAL VERBS WITH PULL — EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
level: Advanced (C1/C2)
Pull phrasal verbs are often informal and idiomatic — the meaning cannot always be guessed from the individual parts alone. Some stay close to a literal sense of pulling or moving; others have developed figurative meanings that are quite different. Definitions or equivalents are provided in brackets where the meaning might be unclear.
ABOUT PHRASAL VERBS WITH PULL
Pull as a base verb is about drawing something towards you or extracting it — and that physical sense of effort and movement carries into many of its phrasal combinations, even when the meaning becomes figurative.
Several pull phrasal verbs are strongly associated with success, effort, and support: pull off (achieve something difficult), pull through (recover or survive), pull ahead (move into the lead). Others describe physical movement of a vehicle or person. What makes this set interesting is that many are quite informal and idiomatic — you wouldn’t necessarily be able to guess the meaning from the parts alone.
These combinations are common in sports commentary, news, and conversational English, making them genuinely useful to know at C1/C2 level.
Pull as a base verb is about drawing something towards you or extracting it — and that physical sense of effort and movement carries into many of its phrasal combinations, even when the meaning becomes figurative.
Several pull phrasal verbs are strongly associated with success, effort, and support: pull off (achieve something difficult), pull through (recover or survive), pull ahead (move into the lead). Others describe physical movement of a vehicle or person. What makes this set interesting is that many are quite informal and idiomatic — you wouldn’t necessarily be able to guess the meaning from the parts alone.
These combinations are common in sports commentary, news, and conversational English, making them genuinely useful to know at C1/C2 level.
1.He got in the car, pulled ________ of the driveway, and drove away.
Correct answer: out — pull out = to drive out of a space (a driveway, parking spot, etc.).
2.I can't believe you pulled that ________! (= managed to achieve this)
Correct answer: off — pull off = to succeed at something difficult or impressive.
3.The other candidates have now pulled ________ of Johnson. = Johnson is now behind the other candidates.
Correct answer: ahead — pull ahead = to move into a leading position; to get in front.
4.He drove the car to the gate. = He pulled ________ to the gate.
Correct answer: up — pull up = to drive to a specific place and stop.
5.It was a close race until Peter pulled ________ from the other runners and won by a whole minute.
Correct answer: away — pull away = to move ahead of competitors; to increase a lead.
6.I'm pulling ________ him. = I'm hoping he'll win/succeed/etc.
Correct answer: for — pull for = to support or hope for the success of someone.
7.He's pulling ________ $80,000 a year. = He's making $80,000 a year.
Correct answer: in — pull in = to earn a salary or income.
8.The police officer pulled him ________ (= stopped him) because he was driving with his lights off.
Correct answer: over — pull over = to stop a vehicle at the side of the road (often said by police).
9.I'm sure she'll pull ________. = I'm sure she'll recover, be well again, etc.
Correct answer: through — pull through = to recover from a serious illness or difficult situation.
10.He signed up for the event, but had to pull ________ (= cancel) because he didn't have time to go.
Correct answer: out — pull out = to withdraw from a commitment or event; to cancel.
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