What are the definitions of “go back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a long history.
He and I GO BACK a long way- we were at school together.
- 2Return to, start doing something again.
We WENT BACK to work after the break.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go back is to return to a place or situation, or to start doing something again. For example, it can mean returning to your home, going back to work after a break, or starting to do an activity that you were doing before.
What are the different verb forms of “go back”?
| Root Verb | go back |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes back |
| Present Participle | going back |
| Simple Past | went back |
| Past Participle | gone back |
Example
After the vacation, we had to go back to school.
Example
She goes back to her hometown every summer.
Example
He is going back to his old habits.
Example
Yesterday, they went back to the place where they first met.
Example
I have gone back to my old job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go 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
“go 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
After the movie, we went back home.
Example
She went back to work after her maternity leave.
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
“go 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
After the movie, we went back home.
Example
She went back to work after her maternity leave.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go back”?
Good things to know
Does “go back” have an informal or formal tone?
Go back is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and everyday conversations. For example, in a formal setting, one might say 'return' instead of go back.
