What are the definitions of “go back on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break a promise.
The government have GONE BACK ON their promise not to raise taxes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go back on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go back on is to break a promise or to fail to keep a commitment. It is often used when someone does not do what they said they would do.
What are the different verb forms of “go back on”?
| Root Verb | go back on |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes back on |
| Present Participle | going back on |
| Simple Past | went back on |
| Past Participle | gone back on |
Example
I hope he doesn't go back on his word.
Example
She never goes back on her promises.
Example
He is going back on his commitment to the team.
Example
They went back on their agreement.
Example
The government has gone back on its promise not to raise taxes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go back on”?
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
“go back on” 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 went back on her promise.
Example
The company went back on its agreement.
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 on” 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 went back on her promise.
Example
The company went back on its agreement.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go back on”?
Good things to know
Does “go back on” have an informal or formal tone?
Go back on is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often used in more formal or serious situations, such as in legal or business contexts, when discussing broken promises or agreements.
