What are the definitions of “shoot back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Return quickly.
I'm SHOOTING BACK home to pick up some things I forgot to bring with me.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shoot back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shoot back is to return quickly to a place or to move quickly in a particular direction. It is often used to describe going back to a place for a short time or to complete a specific task.
What are the different verb forms of “shoot back”?
| Root Verb | shoot back |
| Third Person Singular Present | shoots back |
| Present Participle | shooting back |
| Simple Past | shot back |
| Past Participle | shot back |
Example
I need to shoot back to the office to grab my laptop.
Example
She shoots back to her room to get her phone.
Example
He is shooting back to the store to return the item.
Example
Yesterday, they shot back to the house to pick up their forgotten belongings.
Example
The documents were shot back to the sender for corrections.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shoot 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
“shoot 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
I shot back to the office to get my forgotten files.
Example
She shot back home to change her clothes.
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
“shoot 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 shot back to the office to get my forgotten files.
Example
She shot back home to change her clothes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shoot back”?
Good things to know
Does “shoot back” have an informal or formal tone?
Shoot back is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'return quickly' or 'go back quickly'.
