The phrasal verb "pull over" is commonly used in both informal and semi-formal contexts, often relating to vehicles. It is predominantly used in scenarios concerning driving, where a driver is instructed to move their vehicle to the side of the road and stop, typically by law enforcement or for safety reasons. It can also simply refer to voluntarily stopping one's vehicle to take a break or deal with an issue. Although it is less frequent in highly formal writing, it may appear in instructions or descriptions within the formal domain, such as in traffic regulations or safety advisories. The term conveys a sense of immediate action and is straightforward, making it a practical choice during conversations or directives regarding vehicular movement. Additionally, "pull over" has expanded metaphorically to mean to pause or halt activities beyond driving.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.
The police officer signaled for the car to pull over.
I need to pull over to check the map.
2. To cause a vehicle to stop moving on the side of the road.
The bus driver had to pull over to let some passengers out.
She pulled over her car when she heard the strange noise.