What are the definitions of “try back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Phone back.
I called but they weren't in, so I'll TRY BACK later.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb try back is to phone someone again after a failed attempt to reach them. For example, if you call someone and they don't answer, you can try back later.

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

Root Verb	try back
Third Person Singular Present	tries back
Present Participle	trying back
Simple Past	tried back
Past Participle	tried back

Example

I will try back in an hour if she doesn't answer now.

Example

He tries back later when his friend doesn't pick up the phone.

Example

She is trying back every 30 minutes until she reaches her boss.

Example

Yesterday, I tried back several times before finally reaching her.

Example

He had tried back multiple times before finally getting through.

What kind of phrasal verb is “try 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.)

Intransitive verb

“try 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

I tried back later, but they still didn't answer.

Example

She tried back after an hour, and they finally picked up.

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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

“try 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 tried back later, but they still didn't answer.

Example

She tried back after an hour, and they finally picked up.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “try back”?

Try back later

To attempt to call someone again at a later time.

Example

I couldn't reach her, so I'll try back later when she might be available.

Try back in a few minutes

To attempt to call someone again after waiting for a short period.

Example

He said he was busy, so I'll try back in a few minutes to see if he's free.

Try back tomorrow

To attempt to call someone again the next day.

Example

She's not in the office today, so I'll try back tomorrow to discuss the project.

Good things to know

Does “try back” have an informal or formal tone?

Try back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings when discussing phone calls.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “try back”?

Synonyms

redial
call back
phone back
ring back
return the call

Antonyms

ignore
disconnect
hang up
not call back
not return the call