What are the definitions of “talk back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Respond rudely to a person in authority.
The teacher was cross because the pupil TALKED BACK to her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk back is to respond rudely or disrespectfully to someone, especially a person in authority. It often implies a lack of respect or defiance.
What are the different verb forms of “talk back”?
| Root Verb | talk back |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks back |
| Present Participle | talking back |
| Simple Past | talked back |
| Past Participle | talked back |
Example
It's not polite to talk back to your parents.
Example
He always talks back to his boss, which causes problems at work.
Example
She is talking back to the teacher, and it's making the situation worse.
Example
Yesterday, the student talked back to the principal during the meeting.
Example
He had talked back to his coach, and it led to him being benched.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk 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
“talk 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
She talked back when her mother scolded her.
Example
He talked back to the police officer, which made the situation worse.
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
“talk 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
She talked back when her mother scolded her.
Example
He talked back to the police officer, which made the situation worse.
Good things to know
Does “talk back” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk back is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and formal settings, depending on the context. However, it is more often used in informal situations, such as discussing someone's behavior or attitude.
