1 C1 neutral
to handle or move someone or something roughly by pulling
"Don't pull the puppy about like that."
separable
pull about
C1 neutral separable transitive
to tug or move something roughly in different directions
In plain English
to pull something around roughly from one side to another
What does "pull about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to drag or shift something around from one position to another
"They pulled the heavy table about until it fitted the corner."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to pull something about from place to place.
Actually means
to pull something around roughly from one side to another
Usage tip
Rare in modern everyday English. It can be literal or describe rough treatment.
Words that pair with "pull about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
clothes fabric a child furniture body by the arm
How to conjugate "pull about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pull about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls about
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled about
yesterday
Past participle
pulled about
have + pp
-ing form
pulling about
continuous
Hear "pull about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pull about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pull about"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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