Phrasal verb
pull back
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
pull back
Past
pulled back
Past participle
pulled back
Definition
phrasal verb. To move away from something or decide not to do something you planned. You use this when you withdraw from a situation or a deal.
phrasal verb. To withdraw from a commitment, position, or activity. It can be used intransitively to mean retreat or transitively to mean moving something backwards.
Examples
“The army pulls back to a safer position.”
“After seeing the high costs, the investors chose to pull back and wait for a better opportunity.”
“Faced with an increasingly volatile market, the firm opted to pull back its international expansion plans to focus on domestic stability.”
Examples
simple
“The army pulls back to a safer position.”
contextual
“After seeing the high costs, the investors chose to pull back and wait for a better opportunity.”
complex
“Faced with an increasingly volatile market, the firm opted to pull back its international expansion plans to focus on domestic stability.”
Usage
Often followed by 'from' when withdrawing from a situation or 'on' when reducing spending.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'back out', which sounds more like breaking a promise, whereas 'pull back' sounds like a strategic decision.
Pitfall
They pull back of the agreement.
They pulled back from the agreement.
The phrasal verb 'pull back' typically takes the preposition 'from' rather than 'of' when indicating withdrawal.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
pull (+ object) + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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