What are the definitions of “toss back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Drink quickly.
I TOSSED BACK my beer and left.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toss back”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb toss back is to drink something quickly, usually in one gulp or swallow. This is often used when talking about alcoholic beverages.

What are the different verb forms of “toss back”?

Root Verb	toss back
Third Person Singular Present	tosses back
Present Participle	tossing back
Simple Past	tossed back
Past Participle	tossed back

Example

He tossed back his drink before leaving the party.

Example

She tosses back a glass of water after her workout.

Example

They were tossing back shots at the bar.

Example

He tossed back a soda to quench his thirst.

Example

The drink was tossed back in one gulp.

What kind of phrasal verb is “toss back”?

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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

“toss 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

She tossed back her coffee.

Example

He tossed the drink back quickly.

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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

“toss 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 tossed back her coffee.

Example

He tossed the drink back quickly.