What are the definitions of “play back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Listen to or watch something you've recorded.
We PLAYED the recording BACK to see if it was OK.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play back is to listen to or watch something that has been recorded. For example, it can mean watching a video you recorded earlier or listening to an audio recording.
What are the different verb forms of “play back”?
| Root Verb | play back |
| Third Person Singular Present | plays back |
| Present Participle | playing back |
| Simple Past | played back |
| Past Participle | played back |
Example
After the interview, she played back the recording to take notes.
Example
He plays back the video to check for any mistakes.
Example
She is playing back the audio recording to transcribe the conversation.
Example
Yesterday, they played back the security footage to investigate the incident.
Example
The recorded message was played back to the audience.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play 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
“play 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 played back the recording.
Example
He played the video back to check for errors.
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
“play 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 played back the recording.
Example
He played the video back to check for errors.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play back”?
Good things to know
Does “play back” have an informal or formal tone?
Play back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as professional or academic discussions about audio or video recordings.
