“Pull in to” or “pull into”? “Head in to”, “Head into”, “head to”, or “head for”?

Question

My question may sound weird, but what which of these is correct?

“She pulled in to the parking lot” “She pulled into the parking lot”

“I was heading for school.” “I was heading to school.”

“I was heading in to the school” “I was heading into the school.”

Thanks lots!

Hi Nina, this question really belongs on the English Language Learners' site. — Lambie, Jun 23 '20 at 15:25
Hi Lambie! I didn’t know there was a site for English learners. I came across that site a few days ago, so I am somehow “new” in this whole thing. Thanks for the advice, though! — Nina, Jun 23 '20 at 15:38
Does this answer your question? When should "into" be used rather than "in to," and vice versa? — Edwin Ashworth, Mar 20 '21 at 18:28

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 23 '20 at 15:30

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"To pull in" is an intransitive phrasal verb. You can just say "Pull in!"

"To pull into" is transitive, you cannot just say "Pull into!", you must pull into something, e.g. "Pull into that car park!"

answered Jun 23 '20 at 15:30

chasly - supports Monica

37,215

So if I say “he pulled into the parking lot” it’s correct? And if I say “pull in!” (As an order), it’s correct, too? – Nina Jun 23 '20 at 15:39
@Nina - Yes, exactly. – chasly - supports Monica Jun 23 '20 at 15:41
Thanks you very much for your help! – Nina Jun 23 '20 at 15:42
'Pull into' is also a MWV. – Edwin Ashworth Aug 17 '20 at 14:49
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There is also a transitive phrasal verb to pull in, as in Pull in your gut soldier! or "Pull in your (fishing) line!" – DjinTonic Jul 19 '21 at 19:19

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 16 '21 at 17:52

To pull in indicates a change of direction: “She pulled into the parking lot” -> “She turned off a particular road and into the parking lot”.

OED

7.b. Of a driver or vehicle: to drive off or to the side of the road, esp. in order to stop.

2001 T. Hanley in M. Hickey Irish Days (2004) 125 This side of Tulla there was a bit of a blind laneway and I'd pull in there and have a flask of tea.

To head = to move in a particular (usually forward) direction

OED:

20. Originally Nautical. With adverb or prepositional phrase.

a. intransitive. To move forwards in a specified direction or towards a particular place or thing. Later also more generally: to go, make one's way. Also transitive: to follow (a course, way, etc.) in a specified direction.

2008 A. Nersesian Sacrificial Circumcision of Bronx 261 Once he had located the address of the Russian embassy in the phone book, he headed over in a cab

OP is asking for help deciding between 'She pulled in to the parking lot' and 'She pulled into the parking lot'. 'Pull in' is the intransitive MWV; 'pull into' the transitive analogue. — Edwin Ashworth, Nov 16 '21 at 17:56

“Pull in to” or “pull into”? “Head in to”, “Head into”, “head to”, or “head for”?

2 Answers2