What does the phrasal verb “put back” mean?

What are the definitions of “put back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Rearrange something for a later time.

  The AGM has been PUT BACK until July the seventeenth.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put back is to return something to its original place or position after using it. For example, it can mean placing a book back on the shelf after reading it or returning an item to its proper location after using it.

What are the different verb forms of “put back”?

Root Verb	put back
Third Person Singular Present	puts back
Present Participle	putting back
Simple Past	put back
Past Participle	put back

Example

Please put back the toys when you're done playing with them.

Example

She always puts back the dishes after washing them.

Example

He is putting back the groceries after shopping.

Example

Yesterday, they put back all the books on the shelf.

Example

The items were put back in their original places after the event.

What kind of phrasal verb is “put back”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“put 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 put back the book on the shelf.

Example

He put the toys back in the box.

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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

“put 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 put back the book on the shelf.

Example

He put the toys back in the box.

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

Put something back on track

To help something return to its original plan or schedule after a delay or problem.

Example

The project manager worked hard to put the project back on track after the unexpected setback.

Put someone/something back in their place

To remind someone of their position or role, especially when they have overstepped their boundaries or acted inappropriately.

Example

The teacher put the student back in his place when he tried to take over the class.

Put back the clock

To return to an earlier time or situation, often used when wishing to reverse a decision or change.

Example

We can't put back the clock, so we have to accept the consequences of our actions.

Good things to know

Does “put back” have an informal or formal tone?

Put back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• return
• replace
• restore
• reposition
• reinstall
• reestablish

Antonyms

• remove
• extract
• displace
• disrupt
• take away
• uninstall