What are the definitions of “fight back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Defend yourself, resist an attack.
The army attacked the town and the inhabitants FOUGHT BACK fiercely.
- 2Try to control and emotion and keep it hidden.
He tried to FIGHT BACK the tears when he heard the news of her death.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fight back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fight back is to defend oneself or resist an attack. It can be used to describe a physical or emotional response to a challenging situation.
What are the different verb forms of “fight back”?
| Root Verb | fight back |
| Third Person Singular Present | fights back |
| Present Participle | fighting back |
| Simple Past | fought back |
| Past Participle | fought back |
Example
When the bully tried to take his lunch, he decided to fight back.
Example
She fights back whenever someone tries to take advantage of her.
Example
The team is fighting back to win the game after being behind in the first half.
Example
He fought back when the thief tried to steal his wallet.
Example
They had fought back against the invaders and successfully defended their land.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fight 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
“fight 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
The soldiers fought back against the enemy.
Example
She fought back when she felt threatened.
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
“fight 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
The soldiers fought back against the enemy.
Example
She fought back when she felt threatened.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fight back”?
Good things to know
Does “fight back” have an informal or formal tone?
Fight back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the specific context.
