What are the definitions of “bite back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To suppress or control a negative emotion or response.
But you need to bite back impatience to get good results from cash talks.
- 2To suppress or restrain a strong emotion or response, especially anger.
Paul bit back an angry reply.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bite back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bite back is to suppress or control a negative emotion or response, especially anger. It means to hold back from expressing strong feelings or reactions.
What are the different verb forms of “bite back”?
| Root Verb | bite back |
| Third Person Singular Present | bites back |
| Present Participle | biting back |
| Simple Past | bit back |
| Past Participle | bitten back |
Example
She wanted to yell, but she bit back her anger.
Example
He bites back his frustration when dealing with difficult customers.
Example
She is biting back her tears during the emotional movie.
Example
He bit back his anger when his boss criticized him unfairly.
Example
She had bitten back her feelings for him for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bite 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.)
Transitive verb
“bite back” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She bit back her anger when she heard the news.
Example
He bit back his tears during the sad scene.
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
“bite 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 bit back her anger when she heard the news.
Example
He bit back his tears during the sad scene.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bite back”?
Bite back a response
To suppress or hold back a response, especially when trying to avoid conflict or maintain composure.
Example
She bit back a sarcastic response during the meeting.
Good things to know
Does “bite back” have an informal or formal tone?
Bite back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the context.
