SpeakUp

Grammar fix

pull up

to stop a vehicle

to bring a car or other vehicle to a stop, usually by the side of the road.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The taxi pulled up outside my house right on time.daily life
  • During my trip, the bus pulled up at several small towns along the way, giving us a chance to explore.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: pull up (in/at/by/to [place])

WrongA car pulled up at front of the house.

RightA car pulled up in front of the house.

It's 'in front of', not 'at front of'.

Patternpull up (in/at/by/to [place])

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The taxi came to a halt directly outside the residence.

Natural The taxi pulled up right outside.

'Pull up' is the everyday verb for a vehicle stopping; 'came to a halt' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • pull up + location
    outsidein front ofat the kerbnext to us

Don't confuse it

'Pull over' is similar but often means to move to the side of the road and stop, especially for safety or instructions.

Try it in Daily Speak →