What are the definitions of “stand back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep a distance from something.
We STOOD BACK while he lit the firework.
- 2Try to understand something by taking a different perspective.
We need to STAND BACK and look at the problem differently.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand back is to keep a distance from something or someone, usually for safety reasons or to give space. For example, it can mean staying away from a dangerous situation or giving someone room to work.
What are the different verb forms of “stand back”?
| Root Verb | stand back |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands back |
| Present Participle | standing back |
| Simple Past | stood back |
| Past Participle | stood back |
Example
Please stand back while I open the door.
Example
She stands back when the dog starts barking.
Example
He is standing back to let the paramedics through.
Example
They stood back when the fire alarm went off.
Example
We had stood back to let the firefighters do their job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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
“stand 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
Everyone stood back when the car started smoking.
Example
I stood back to let the children play.
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
“stand 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
Everyone stood back when the car started smoking.
Example
I stood back to let the children play.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand back”?
Stand back to gain perspective
To take a step back mentally to see a situation more clearly or objectively.
Example
We need to stand back and look at the problem from a different angle.
Good things to know
Does “stand back” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
