Phrasal verbs with back

33 phrasal verbs · 43 meanings · B1 to C2

What does "back" add to phrasal verbs?

When you add "back" to a verb, you're usually talking about returning to something or doing something again. This simple idea creates dozens of useful phrasal verbs that follow clear patterns once you understand what's happening.

The most obvious pattern is physical return. Come back, get back, and go back all mean returning to a place you were before. Give something back means returning it to its owner, and bring something back means carrying it to where it came from. Put something back means moving it to its original position. This return idea works with actions too — call someone back means phoning them again, and write back means replying to their message.

Sometimes "back" suggests moving away from something to get a better view. Stand back means moving to a safer distance, whilst step back means withdrawing from a situation to think more clearly. Sit back means relaxing and not getting involved.

"Back" can also mean restraint or holding something in. Hold back means hesitating or stopping yourself from acting. Keep something back means not revealing information. Fight something back means trying to control your emotions.

There's even a revenge meaning — pay someone back can mean returning money or getting revenge. Understanding these patterns helps you guess meanings and remember new combinations when you encounter them.

All phrasal verbs with "back"

bounce back recover quickly after a problem, failure, or illness C1

bring back

call back

circle back (to sth) return to a topic or person later to discuss it again C1 claw sth back get back money or an advantage that was lost, usually with difficulty C2 cut back on sth reduce the amount of something, especially money you spend or use B2 date back have existed since a time in the past B2 dial sth back reduce the intensity or ambition of something (such as plans, demands, or strong language) C1 fall back on sth use something familiar when other options have failed C1

fight back

go back on sth not do what you promised or agreed to do B2 hang back not move forward because you feel unsure or shy B2 hark back to sth remind people of something from the past, like an old style or tradition C2

hold back

keep back

knock back

look back on sth remember or think about something from the past B1

pay back

play sth back listen to or watch something you have recorded B1 pull back move away from a place or stop doing something, often used about soldiers B2 push back resist or challenge an idea, plan, or demand C1 ring sb back phone someone again, or return their phone call B1 roll sth back remove or cancel rules, laws, or rights that were in place before C1 scale sth back make something smaller or less (a plan, project, or activity) C1 send sth back return something to the place it came from (a product, food in a restaurant) B1

set back

sit back relax and not get involved or take action B1

stand back

step back stop being involved in something to think about it more clearly B2

take back

talk back reply rudely to someone in authority (a parent, teacher, boss) B2 turn (sb) back go back, or make someone go back, the way they came B1 write back reply to a letter or message in writing B1

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