What are the definitions of “report back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To provide information or updates to someone in authority.
He is is due to report back to police after further inquiries.
- 2To provide information or updates after completing a task or investigation.
He promised to investigate it and then report back to the committee.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “report back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb report back is to provide information or updates to someone in authority or after completing a task or investigation. It is often used in work or school settings when someone is asked to gather information and then share their findings with a group or supervisor.
What are the different verb forms of “report back”?
| Root Verb | report back |
| Third Person Singular Present | reports back |
| Present Participle | reporting back |
| Simple Past | reported back |
| Past Participle | reported back |
Example
After the meeting, she will report back to the team.
Example
He reports back to his supervisor every week.
Example
She is reporting back to the manager about the project's progress.
Example
Yesterday, they reported back on their research findings.
Example
The information has been reported back to the authorities.
What kind of phrasal verb is “report 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.)
Intransitive verb
“report back” 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
She reported back after completing the assignment.
Example
He reported back to the committee with his findings.
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
“report 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 reported back after completing the assignment.
Example
He reported back to the committee with his findings.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “report back”?
Good things to know
Does “report back” have an informal or formal tone?
Report back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is commonly used in work or school environments when discussing tasks, projects, or investigations. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with phrases like 'provide updates' or 'share findings'.
