What are the definitions of “answer back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To reply rudely to someone in authority.
Her mother was shocked when she started ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to help.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “answer back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb answer back is to reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone in authority, such as a parent, teacher, or boss. It often implies talking back or arguing with the person in authority.
What are the different verb forms of “answer back”?
| Root Verb | answer back |
| Third Person Singular Present | answers back |
| Present Participle | answering back |
| Simple Past | answered back |
| Past Participle | answered back |
Example
The student answered back to the teacher, causing tension in the classroom.
Example
He always answers back when his parents ask him to do chores.
Example
She is answering back to her boss, which might get her in trouble.
Example
Yesterday, the employee answered back to the manager and was reprimanded.
Example
The child had answered back to his mother, causing her to become upset.
What kind of phrasal verb is “answer back”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“answer back” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She answered back when her father scolded her.
Example
He answered back to the teacher's criticism.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“answer back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She answered back when her father scolded her.
Example
He answered back to the teacher's criticism.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “answer back”?
Good things to know
Does “answer back” have an informal or formal tone?
Answer back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. However, the act of answering back is generally considered impolite or disrespectful, so it is important to be cautious when using this phrase in more formal settings or when speaking to someone in authority.
