PULL THROUGH

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'pull through' means to recover from a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation, showing determination and resilience.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'pull through' means to recover from a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation, showing determination and resilience.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Pull through' is a non-separable phrasal verb; the object cannot be placed between 'pull' and 'through.'
Register
Neutral
It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires an object; someone must pull through something.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple pull through Despite the odds, they pull through each challenge.
Past Simple pulled through She pulled through her illness last winter.
Present Continuous pulling through He is pulling through the hard times with support.
Present Perfect have pulled through They have pulled through every crisis together.

đź’ˇ When to Use

In medical recovery scenarios
Use when describing a recovery from an illness, surgery, or health scare involving determination and resilience.
Example: "Thanks to the team's effort, he managed to pull through the surgery."
Overcoming difficult situations
Use when someone is managing to overcome challenging life circumstances through effort and support.
Example: "The company pulled through the financial crisis with strategic planning."
Emotional recovery
Use when someone recovers emotionally from a traumatic event, indicating resilience and healing.
Example: "After the loss, she pulled through with the help of family."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong tense usage
❌ Wrong: He pull through the illness bravely.
âś… Correct: He pulled through the illness bravely.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure verb tense matches the time frame.
Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: He pulled the illness through bravely.
âś… Correct: He pulled through the illness bravely.
đź’ˇ Tip: Do not separate 'pull' and 'through.'
Missing object
❌ Wrong: She will pull through.
âś… Correct: She will pull through this difficult period.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always include what is being pulled through.
Practice

PULL THROUGH - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

overcome survive

Antonyms

succumb

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"With her determination, she was able to ___ through the toughest times."

pulled
pull through
pulsed
pulled over

"In times of struggle, those who commit to perseverance and hope find that true strength allows them to pull through against all odds."

In Context

In 1918, amidst the devastation of World War I, a young nurse named Mary Brown found herself on the front lines in France. Tasked with caring for countless wounded soldiers, Mary showed tremendous resilience. Many soldiers, on the brink of despair, needed more than just medical attention—they required emotional support to pull through their injuries. Despite the overwhelming conditions, Mary remained a beacon of hope, encouraging soldiers with her unwavering optimism. Her dedication and compassion enabled many to pull through even the direst situations. As the war reached its end, one soldier, Lieutenant Charles Bennett, a patient of Mary’s, credited her with his recovery. He told the tale of how her kind words and determination motivated him to pull through when he had nearly given up. As Mary returned home after the war, she reflected on how both she and her patients had grown stronger through their shared trials. Years later, Mary became a well-respected figure in her community, often invited to speak about her experiences during the war. She continued to inspire others with the story of how sheer willpower and human kindness helped so many pull through the darkest of times.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Through

What is the origin of pull through?

+
The phrasal verb 'pull through' originated in the medical context of the 19th century, emphasizing persistence and recovery during illness. Its usage spread to other challenging life situations, symbolizing endurance and resilience in overcoming adversity.

Can pull through be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'pull through' is versatile and appears in both formal and informal contexts. It describes recovery or overcoming difficulties, making it appropriate in medical, professional, and casual conversations alike, depending on the context and audience.

What is the difference between pull through and overcome?

+
While both 'pull through' and 'overcome' suggest triumph over adversity, 'pull through' implies recovering from illness or difficulty with support, whereas 'overcome' generally indicates achieving victory over a challenge, often through personal effort or strategy.
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Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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