Phrasal verbs involving “back” often relate to returning, reversing, or withholding actions. By understanding these expressions, you can improve your communication skills in English. Here’s a list of phrasal verbs using “back,” along with their meanings and example sentences.
Here is the list of 20 phrasal verbs with “Back”:
- Bring back
- Take back
- Come back
- Go back
- Get back
- Look back
- Hold back
- Pull back
- Fall back
- Cut back
- Pay back
- Set back
- Sit back
- Stand back
- Turn back
- Put back
- Give back
- Step back
- Push back
- Call back
Phrasal Verbs with “Back” and Their Meanings
Bring Back
Meaning: To return something or revive a concept.
Example: The new CEO brought back the company’s original mission statement.
Take Back
Meaning: To retract a statement or return something.
Example: I take back what I said about him; he’s actually very kind.
Come Back
Meaning: To return to a place or memory.
Example: She came back to visit her hometown after many years.
Go Back
Meaning: To return to a previous place or time.
Example: He decided to go back to school to complete his degree.
Get Back
Meaning: To return to a place or regain possession of something.
Example: I need to get back my umbrella from John.
Look Back
Meaning: To reflect on or think about past events.
Example: When I look back on my childhood, I remember my grandparents fondly.
Hold Back
Meaning: To restrain someone or something.
Example: The police tried to hold back the crowd during the protest.
Pull Back
Meaning: To retreat or withdraw.
Example: The army pulled back to regroup and reorganize their strategy.
Fall Back
Meaning: To retreat or rely on something for support.
Example: The troops fell back after facing heavy opposition.
Cut Back
Meaning: To reduce the amount of something.
Example: The company cut back on its expenses due to the economic downturn.
Pay Back
Meaning: To return borrowed money or retaliate.
Example: I’ll pay back the money I borrowed next week.
Set Back
Meaning: To delay progress.
Example: The project’s completion was set back by several months due to the pandemic.
Sit Back
Meaning: To relax and not take action.
Example: She decided to sit back and enjoy the concert.
Stand Back
Meaning: To maintain a distance or avoid involvement.
Example: Please stand back while the machine is operating.
Turn Back
Meaning: To reverse direction or change one’s decision.
Example: The hikers turned back when they encountered a dangerous path.
Put Back
Meaning: To return something to its original place.
Example: Please put back the tools after using them.
Give Back
Meaning: To return something to its owner.
Example: She gave back the book she borrowed from the library.
Step Back
Meaning: To distance oneself from something for perspective or to retreat.
Example: He decided to step back from his job to spend more time with his family.
Push Back
Meaning: To resist or delay something.
Example: The community pushed back against the proposed new regulations.
Call Back
Meaning: To return a phone call or summon someone to return.
Example: I’ll call back once I have more information.
