← Back to lessons
B1Travelling by Car

Pulling In at Service Stations

Phrasal Verb: pull in |Grammar: Present Continuous

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'pull in' in the present continuous tense to describe stopping at service stations while travelling by car.

Article

When you are travelling by car on a long journey, you often need to stop at service stations. Right now, many drivers are pulling in to service stations to rest or get fuel. For example, my family is pulling in at the next station because we need some snacks. Some cars are pulling in to use the restroom, while others are pulling in to check their tyres. It is important to pull in safely and slowly, so other drivers can see you. At the moment, the driver next to us is pulling in to park. After pulling in, people are usually buying food, refuelling, or stretching their legs before continuing their trip. Pulling in at the right time helps drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'pull in' means to move a vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking space, usually to stop temporarily.

Grammar Note

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now. It is formed with the verb 'to be' + verb + -ing (e.g., 'I am pulling in').

Usage Tips

  • Use present continuous to talk about actions happening at this moment.
  • Use 'pull in' when describing stopping a car at a service station or side of the road.
  • Remember to include the subject and the correct form of 'to be' when using present continuous.

Examples

We are pulling in at the next service station to get some petrol.

Stopping soon at a service station

She is pulling in to park near the café.

Stopping the car to park

They are pulling in because someone needs a bathroom break.

Stopping the car for a quick rest

The driver is pulling in slowly to avoid hitting the curb.

Careful stopping of the car

I am pulling in now; can you see the petrol station sign?

Currently stopping the car

Dialogue

Context: Two friends are travelling by car and decide to stop at a service station.

A:
I think we should pull in at the next service station.
B:
Good idea! I am pulling in now; the sign is right ahead.
A:
Are you pulling in near the petrol pumps or the café?
B:
I am pulling in near the café. I want to get some coffee.
A:
Perfect! I am also pulling in to stretch my legs.
B:
Great, let’s stop for about 15 minutes before we continue.

Vocabulary

service station
A place on the road for fuel, food, and rest
Example: We stopped at a service station to fill the tank.
Synonym: rest stop
petrol
Fuel used by cars
Example: The car is running low on petrol.
Synonym: gasoline
park
To stop a vehicle and leave it in a place
Example: I am parking near the café.
Synonym: stop
tyre
The rubber covering of a wheel
Example: He is checking the car’s tyres before driving.
Synonym: tire
brake
To slow down or stop a vehicle
Example: She is braking carefully to pull in.
Synonym: stop
rest
A short break to relax
Example: We are taking a rest at the service station.
Synonym: break
drive
To operate and control a vehicle
Example: He is driving to the next town.
Synonym: operate
slowly
At a low speed
Example: She is pulling in slowly to park safely.
Synonym: gradually
sign
A board with information or directions
Example: Look for the petrol station sign ahead.
Synonym: notice
café
A small restaurant where you can buy drinks and food
Example: We are stopping at the café for coffee.
Synonym: coffee shop

Tips

  • Always signal before you pull in to a service station.
  • Pull in slowly to give yourself and others time to react.
  • Don’t confuse 'pull in' with 'pull over'; 'pull in' often means entering a parking area.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'pull in' in the present continuous tense to describe stopping a car at service stations. You also practised vocabulary related to travelling by car and understood when and how to use 'pull in' safely.

← Back to all lessons