What are the definitions of “take back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make someone nostalgic.
That song always TAKES me BACK to when I was at university.
- 2Retract a statement, admit that something was wrong.
said about them when I learned how I had to TAKE BACK everything bad I'd they'd helped out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take back is to retract a statement or admit that something was wrong. It is often used when someone realizes they made a mistake or were incorrect in their judgment.
What are the different verb forms of “take back”?
| Root Verb | take back |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes back |
| Present Participle | taking back |
| Simple Past | took back |
| Past Participle | taken back |
Example
I take back what I said about you earlier.
Example
She takes back her words when she realizes she was wrong.
Example
He is taking back his previous statement after learning the truth.
Example
They took back their accusations when they found out the real story.
Example
The apology was taken back when it was discovered to be insincere.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take 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
“take 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
I took back my words when I realized I was wrong.
Example
She took her statement back after learning the truth.
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
“take 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 took back my words when I realized I was wrong.
Example
She took her statement back after learning the truth.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take back”?
Good things to know
Does “take back” have an informal or formal tone?
Take back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be appropriate in more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
