What are the definitions of “send back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Return something.
I SENT my food BACK because it was overcooked.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “send back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb send back is to return something to its original place or to the person who sent it. This can be used when talking about returning a package, a letter, or even food at a restaurant.
What are the different verb forms of “send back”?
| Root Verb | send back |
| Third Person Singular Present | sends back |
| Present Participle | sending back |
| Simple Past | sent back |
| Past Participle | sent back |
Example
I need to send back this package because it's damaged.
Example
She sends back the letter because it was addressed to the wrong person.
Example
He is sending back the food because it's too salty.
Example
They sent back the clothes because they didn't fit.
Example
The incorrect order was sent back to the store.
What kind of phrasal verb is “send 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
“send 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 sent back the package to the sender.
Example
He sent the food back because it was cold.
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
“send 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 sent back the package to the sender.
Example
He sent the food back because it was cold.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “send back”?
Good things to know
Does “send back” have an informal or formal tone?
Send back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business communication or academic writing.
