What are the definitions of “strike back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack, take action against someone who has hurt you.
At first, he ignored them, but when things got very serious, he STRUCK BACK.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “strike back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb strike back is to attack or take action against someone who has hurt you or caused you harm. It is often used when someone responds to an attack or criticism.
What are the different verb forms of “strike back”?
| Root Verb | strike back |
| Third Person Singular Present | strikes back |
| Present Participle | striking back |
| Simple Past | struck back |
| Past Participle | struck back |
Example
If they attack us, we will strike back.
Example
She always strikes back when someone criticizes her.
Example
He is striking back against the people who hurt him.
Example
They struck back after being attacked by their enemies.
Example
The team struck back and won the game after a tough loss.
What kind of phrasal verb is “strike 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
“strike 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
The army struck back after the surprise attack.
Example
She struck back when her reputation was questioned.
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
“strike 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
The army struck back after the surprise attack.
Example
She struck back when her reputation was questioned.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “strike back”?
Good things to know
Does “strike back” have an informal or formal tone?
Strike 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 news reports or academic discussions.
