What does the phrasal verb “ring back” mean?

What are the definitions of “ring back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Return a phonecall.

  I phoned and left a message this morning but she still hasn't RUNG me BACK.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ring back is to return a phone call. It means calling someone again after they have called you, usually because you missed their call or need to provide them with more information.

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

Root Verb	ring back
Third Person Singular Present	rings back
Present Participle	ringing back
Simple Past	rang back
Past Participle	rung back

Example

I will ring back as soon as I have the information you need.

Example

She always rings back when she misses a call.

Example

He is ringing back the client to discuss the proposal.

Example

Yesterday, I rang back the company to confirm my appointment.

Example

She had rung back the doctor to get her test results.

What kind of phrasal verb is “ring 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

“ring 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

I rang back the number that called me.

Example

She rang the office back after lunch.

📝

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

“ring 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

I rang back the number that called me.

Example

She rang the office back after lunch.

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

Ring back later

To call someone again at a later time.

Example

I'm busy right now, can you ring back later?

Ring back soon

To call someone again shortly.

Example

I'll ring back soon with the information you need.

Ring back when...

To call someone again when a specific condition is met.

Example

Please ring back when you have the final numbers.

Good things to know

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

Ring back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings when discussing phone calls.

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

Synonyms

• redial
• call back
• return a call
• phone back
• get back to

Antonyms

• ignore
• miss
• avoid
• neglect
• not return