Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Mastering the Phrasal Verb: Pull Off Explained

"When perseverance meets creativity, one can pull off what others deem impossible, revealing new paths forward with extraordinary results."

📖 Definition

To 'pull off' means to accomplish something challenging or achieve success in a difficult task, often against the odds or expectations.

Examples in context

Despite heavy rains, the festival organizers pulled off a successful event, impressing attendees.
The small startup pulled off a groundbreaking product launch against all odds.
Even with limited resources, they pulled off a memorable school play.

📖 Definition

To 'pull off' means to accomplish something challenging or achieve success in a difficult task, often against the odds or expectations.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Appropriate for both informal and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pull off	They often pull off stunning upsets in games.
Past Simple	pulled off	They pulled off an amazing comeback last season.
Present Continuous	pulling off	She is pulling off the project despite challenges.
Present Perfect	have pulled off	We have pulled off the most difficult part of the plan.

💡 When to Use

achieving a difficult goal

Use it when someone completes a difficult or complex task successfully.

Example: "The team pulled off a challenging merger despite the odds."

unexpected success

When somebody succeeds unexpectedly in a difficult situation.

Example: "They pulled off a victory no one anticipated."

accomplishing under pressure

When someone manages to succeed despite immense pressure or last-minute challenges.

Example: "He pulled off the presentation with seconds to spare."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

using with incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: They pulled the plan off.

✅ Correct: They pulled off the plan.

💡 Tip: Place objects after the whole phrase or between verb and particle.

incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: He pulls off the project yesterday.

✅ Correct: He pulled off the project yesterday.

💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches the context of the action.

confusing with 'take off'

❌ Wrong: She took off the strategy successfully.

✅ Correct: She pulled off the strategy successfully.

💡 Tip: Remember 'pull off' is for achieving success.

Practice

PULL OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Despite heavy rains, the festival organizers pulled off a successful event, impressing attendees.
The Invisible Wire
2
Listen to example

The small startup pulled off a groundbreaking product launch against all odds.
The Invisible Wire
3
Listen to example

Even with limited resources, they pulled off a memorable school play.
The Invisible Wire

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accomplish achieve

Antonyms

fail

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"No one expected her to ___ that difficult stunt."

fall off

pull off

take off

put off

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Off

What is the origin of pull off?

The phrasal verb 'pull off' derives from nautical terminology, where sailors would 'pull' (work at a task) to 'off' (achieve a desired outcome), evolving into general use.

Can pull off be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Pull off' can be used both formally and informally. It conveys achievement and success appropriate for business, academic, and casual settings alike.

What is the difference between pull off and accomplish?

'Pull off' often implies overcoming obstacles unexpectedly, while 'accomplish' generally signifies completing a task, regardless of difficulty or surprise.

Browse All The Invisible Wire Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PULL OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega