What are the definitions of “hand back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Return.
The police officer checked my licence, then HANDED it BACK.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hand back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hand back is to return something to its original owner or to give something back to someone. For example, it can mean giving a book back to a friend after borrowing it or returning a lost item to its owner.
What are the different verb forms of “hand back”?
| Root Verb | hand back |
| Third Person Singular Present | hands back |
| Present Participle | handing back |
| Simple Past | handed back |
| Past Participle | handed back |
Example
Please hand back the pen when you're done using it.
Example
She always hands back the books she borrows on time.
Example
He is handing back the test papers to the students.
Example
Yesterday, they handed back the lost wallet to its owner.
Example
The borrowed items have been handed back to their rightful owners.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hand 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.)
Transitive verb
“hand 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 handed back the book to her friend.
Example
He handed the keys back to the owner.
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
“hand 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 handed back the book to her friend.
Example
He handed the keys back to the owner.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hand back”?
To return the responsibility for something to someone else.
Example
After completing the project, he handed back responsibility to the team leader.
Good things to know
Does “hand back” have an informal or formal tone?
Hand 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 settings, such as business meetings or official documents.
