What are the definitions of “bring back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cause someone to remember.
Visiting my old school BROUGHT BACK memories of when I was a pupil there.
- 2Return.
He took the calculator home yesterday and hasn't BROUGHT it BACK yet.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bring back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bring back is to return something to its original place or to cause someone to remember something from the past. For example, it can mean returning a borrowed item or recalling a memory.
What are the different verb forms of “bring back”?
| Root Verb | bring back |
| Third Person Singular Present | brings back |
| Present Participle | bringing back |
| Simple Past | brought back |
| Past Participle | brought back |
Example
Please bring back the book I lent you last week.
Example
She brings back the shopping cart after using it.
Example
He is bringing back the borrowed tools to his neighbor.
Example
They brought back the lost dog to its owner.
Example
The old song brought back memories of our youth.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bring 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
“bring 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 brought back the umbrella she borrowed.
Example
The smell of the flowers brought back memories of her childhood.
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
“bring 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 brought back the umbrella she borrowed.
Example
The smell of the flowers brought back memories of her childhood.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bring back”?
Bring back memories
To cause someone to remember something from the past.
Example
Looking at old photos always brings back memories of our family vacations.
Good things to know
Does “bring back” have an informal or formal tone?
Bring back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
