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

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Pull Back

"When uncertainty clouds the path, sometimes to prosper is to pull back and re-evaluate one’s direction with clarity and insight."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pull back' means to retreat or withdraw from a position or course of action, often for strategic reasons, and may be used literally or metaphorically.

Examples in context

After reconsidering the risks, they pulled back their investments in the startup.
The government advised citizens to pull back from non-essential travel.
Faced with overwhelming opposition, the proposal was pulled back for further review.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pull back' means to retreat or withdraw from a position or course of action, often for strategic reasons, and may be used literally or metaphorically.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between 'pull' and 'back'.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to indicate what is being withdrawn.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pull back	They pull back their troops to reassess the situation.
Past Simple	pulled back	She pulled back her hand in alarm.
Present Continuous	pulling back	The company is pulling back its investment due to market changes.
Present Perfect	have pulled back	They have pulled back from the agreement after reconsidering the terms.

💡 When to Use

Military retreats

In military strategy, it describes withdrawing troops or forces to avoid losses or to regroup.

Example: "The general decided to pull back his army to safer ground."

Financial decisions

In finance, it indicates retracting investments or funds in response to economic conditions.

Example: "The investor pulled back funds from the volatile market."

Personal reflection

For personal decisions, it's used to suggest rethinking a course of action to gain perspective.

Example: "She decided to pull back on her commitments to focus on self-care."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Omitting object

❌ Wrong: They pulled back quickly.

✅ Correct: They pulled back their troops quickly.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being pulled back.

Mixed order

❌ Wrong: They back pulled their offer.

✅ Correct: They pulled back their offer.

💡 Tip: Keep 'pull' and 'back' in correct order.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They are pull back their bid.

✅ Correct: They are pulling back their bid.

💡 Tip: Use the continuous form when needed.

Practice

PULL BACK - 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

After reconsidering the risks, they pulled back their investments in the startup.
The World Becomes A Web
2
Listen to example

The government advised citizens to pull back from non-essential travel.
The World Becomes A Web
3
Listen to example

Faced with overwhelming opposition, the proposal was pulled back for further review.
The World Becomes A Web

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

withdraw retract

Antonyms

advance

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The company decided to ___ their product launch due to market feedback."

advance

pull back

create

expand

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Back

What is the origin of pull back?

The term 'pull back' primarily originates from military terminology, indicating a tactical retreat to avoid confrontation or to regroup forces, a concept crucial during conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars.

Can pull back be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'pull back' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile, suited for business meetings when discussing strategic decisions, or casual conversations regarding personal changes.

What is the difference between pull back and withdraw?

'Pull back' often suggests a strategic retreat with future plans in mind, while 'withdraw' implies a complete removal or cessation from an activity or location.

Browse All The World Becomes A Web 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 BACK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Back

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega