Meaning trap
pull out
to leave or withdraw from an activity or agreement
to decide not to take part in something anymore, or to stop being involved in an activity, event, or agreement.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to decide not to take part in something anymore, or to stop being involved in an activity, event, or agreement.
Another meaning of 'pull out' is 'to drive onto a road from another place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The company decided to pull out of the deal at the last minute.work
- I was supposed to join the group project, but I had to pull out when my schedule got too busy.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: pull out (of something)
WrongThey pulled out the project at the last minute.
RightThey pulled out of the project at the last minute.
'Pull out OF' something — don't drop 'of'.
Patternpull out (of something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Pull out' is the everyday verb for withdrawing; 'elected to withdraw from' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pull out + ofof the dealof the raceof the talksat the last minute
Don't confuse it
'Pull out' is more formal than 'drop out', and is often used for groups or organizations, not just individuals.
Related
- pull out (to drive onto a road from another place) — Another meaning of 'pull out' is 'to drive onto a road from another place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.