What does the phrasal verb “give back” mean?

What are the definitions of “give back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Return something you've borrowed.

  I GAVE the money BACK that she'd lent to me.

• 2. Return something that someone has lost.

  Nothing could GIVE me BACK the way I felt before the scandal.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give back”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give back is to return something that you have borrowed or taken. It means to restore something to its original owner or place. For example, if you borrow a book from a friend, you should give it back when you're done reading it.

What are the different verb forms of “give back”?

Root Verb	give back
Third Person Singular Present	gives back
Present Participle	giving back
Simple Past	gave back
Past Participle	given back

Example

Please give back the book when you finish reading it.

Example

He always gives back the things he borrows.

Example

She is giving back the money she borrowed from her friend.

Example

Yesterday, I gave back the pen I borrowed from my classmate.

Example

The stolen painting has been given back to the museum.

What kind of phrasal verb is “give back”?

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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

“give 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 gave back the book she borrowed from the library.

Example

He gave the money back that he borrowed from his friend.

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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

“give 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 gave back the book she borrowed from the library.

Example

He gave the money back that he borrowed from his friend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give back”?

Give back to the community

To contribute to the community, often through volunteer work or donations.

Example

She always finds ways to give back to her community.

Give back as good as one gets

To respond to criticism or rudeness with equal measure.

Example

He's not afraid to give back as good as he gets.

Give back to nature

To contribute to the environment, often through conservation efforts or sustainable practices.

Example

We should all find ways to give back to nature.

Good things to know

Does “give back” have an informal or formal tone?

Give back is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal context, it might be used in a business or legal situation, such as 'The company was ordered to give back the stolen funds.' In an informal context, it might be used in everyday conversation, such as 'Can you give back my pen?'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “give back”?

Synonyms

• return
• restore
• repay
• reimburse
• refund
• remit
• reinstate
• hand back
• pay back

Antonyms

• take
• borrow
• steal
• keep
• hold
• retain
• withhold
• confiscate
• seize
• appropriate