What does the phrasal verb “hark back to” mean?

What are the definitions of “hark back to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To remind or be reminiscent of something from the past.

  The style of dress harks back to the 1950s.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hark back to is to remind or be reminiscent of something from the past. It is often used to describe a situation, object, or idea that brings to mind a previous time or event.

What are the different verb forms of “hark back to”?

Root Verb	hark back to
Third Person Singular Present	harks back to
Present Participle	harking back to
Simple Past	harked back to
Past Participle	harked back to

Example

The design of the building harks back to the Victorian era.

Example

Her hairstyle harks back to the 1960s.

Example

The movie is harking back to the golden age of Hollywood.

Example

The speech harked back to the days of the civil rights movement.

Example

The song harked back to the classic rock era.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hark back to”?

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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.)

Intransitive verb

“hark back to” 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 fashion trend harks back to the 1980s.

Example

The architecture harks back to the Renaissance period.

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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

“hark back to” 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 fashion trend harks back to the 1980s.

Example

The architecture harks back to the Renaissance period.

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

Hark back to one's roots

To return to or be reminded of one's origins, background, or earlier experiences.

Example

The musician's latest album harks back to his roots in folk music.

Hark back to a simpler time

To recall or evoke a period in the past that was less complicated or stressful.

Example

The small town atmosphere harks back to a simpler time.

Hark back to tradition

To return to or be reminiscent of customs, practices, or beliefs from the past.

Example

The ceremony harks back to ancient traditions.

Good things to know

Does “hark back to” have an informal or formal tone?

Hark back to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as academic writing and professional settings.

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

Synonyms

• evoke
• recall
• remind
• resemble
• hearken back to
• revert to
• return to
• bring to mind

Antonyms

• anticipate
• project
• envision
• predict
• foresee
• look forward