What are the definitions of “double back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go back the way you were coming.
When he saw the police, he DOUBLED BACK and went home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “double back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb double back is to go back the way you were coming or to return to a previous location. It is often used when someone needs to retrace their steps or avoid a certain situation.
What are the different verb forms of “double back”?
| Root Verb | double back |
| Third Person Singular Present | doubles back |
| Present Participle | doubling back |
| Simple Past | doubled back |
| Past Participle | doubled back |
Example
When she realized she forgot her wallet, she had to double back to her house.
Example
He doubles back when he notices he is going in the wrong direction.
Example
She is doubling back to the store because she forgot to buy milk.
Example
They doubled back when they realized they missed the turn.
Example
He had doubled back to avoid the traffic jam.
What kind of phrasal verb is “double 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
“double 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
When he saw the police, he doubled back.
Example
She doubled back when she realized she was going the wrong way.
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
“double 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
When he saw the police, he doubled back.
Example
She doubled back when she realized she was going the wrong way.
Good things to know
Does “double back” have an informal or formal tone?
Double back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
