Pull open /explanation

Pull open /explanation
Message from angel7 posted on 09-09-2013 at 12:47:07 (D | E | F)
Hello,

I read on a website "She pulls open the plastic drawer". I need some explanations please.
Why is there not "to" between pull and open? Is it right to write "She pulls the plastic drawer open"?
Thanks in advance for you explanation.

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Edited by lucile83 on 09-09-2013 15:29

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Re: Pull open /explanation from lucile83, posted on 09-09-2013 at 15:33:45 (D | E)
Hello,

It is a specific structure which means she pulled the drawer in order to open it.
See: she swam across the river = she crossed the river while swimming
Hope this helps.

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Re: Pull open /explanation from gerondif, posted on 09-09-2013 at 17:41:04 (D | E)
Hello,
It is a correct structure, open is the result of the action.
"She pulled the drawer open" is correct too.
see also:
He slammed the door shut.
He cracked his skull open.
He shouted himself hoarse.
I shot him dead.
I was struck dumb.

your "to" would be correct but the sentence would mean:
She pulls the drawer in order to open it // to open it.

I pulled the rope (in order)to pull him in .

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Re: Pull open /explanation from angel7, posted on 10-09-2013 at 12:44:35 (D | E)
Hello,
thank you for your explanation.
I have another question. In this structure, is open a verb or an adjective?
Thanks in advance.

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Re: Pull open /explanation from lucile83, posted on 10-09-2013 at 15:20:25 (D | E)
Hello,

In all the examples written, shut, open, dead etc are adjectives.

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Re: Pull open /explanation from lemagemasque, posted on 10-09-2013 at 18:08:16 (D | E)
Hello!

Is it not the same with "to rip open" (Jack the Ripper )?

See you!

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Re: Pull open /explanation from angel7, posted on 11-09-2013 at 12:30:01 (D | E)
Hello,
thank to all for your explanations.
Take care

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Re: Pull open /explanation from lakata, posted on 11-09-2013 at 16:57:23 (D | E)
Hello!

The very interesting subject of the "resultative structures" was brilliantly treated here :
Link

Don't hesitate to take (more than) a look at it, as it's worth the visit!

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