What are the definitions of “tail back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Form a traffic jam.
The traffic TAILED BACK for several miles after the accident.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tail back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tail back is to form a traffic jam or a long line of vehicles that are not moving or moving very slowly. This usually happens when there is an accident, roadwork, or heavy traffic.
What are the different verb forms of “tail back”?
| Root Verb | tail back |
| Third Person Singular Present | tails back |
| Present Participle | tailing back |
| Simple Past | tailed back |
| Past Participle | tailed back |
Example
The cars started to tail back during rush hour.
Example
Traffic often tails back on this road during the morning commute.
Example
The vehicles were tailing back due to the construction work.
Example
Yesterday, the traffic tailed back for miles because of the accident.
Example
The traffic had tailed back for several miles, causing major delays.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tail 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
“tail 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 traffic tailed back for several miles.
Example
During the holiday season, the traffic often tails back on the highway.
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
“tail 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 traffic tailed back for several miles.
Example
During the holiday season, the traffic often tails back on the highway.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tail back”?
A long line of vehicles that are not moving or moving very slowly, usually caused by an accident, roadwork, or heavy traffic.
Example
The accident caused a massive tailback on the highway.
Good things to know
Does “tail back” have an informal or formal tone?
Tail back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and traffic updates.
