What are the definitions of “turn back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Return to a previous position or place.
After realising that they had been walking for too long, they asked other walkers for directions and turned back to reach the pupils.
- 2Return or go back.
Bad weather forced them to turn back.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn back is to return or go back to a previous position or place. It is often used when someone changes their direction or decision to go back to where they started or to a previous point in time.
What are the different verb forms of “turn back”?
| Root Verb | turn back |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns back |
| Present Participle | turning back |
| Simple Past | turned back |
| Past Participle | turned back |
Example
When we realized we were lost, we decided to turn back.
Example
She turns back when she notices she forgot her wallet at home.
Example
He is turning back after realizing he took the wrong path.
Example
They turned back when they saw the road was closed.
Example
The hikers had turned back due to bad weather.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn 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
“turn 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
We turned back when we realized we were going the wrong way.
Example
The ship turned back to the port because of the storm.
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
“turn 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
We turned back when we realized we were going the wrong way.
Example
The ship turned back to the port because of the storm.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn back”?
Good things to know
Does “turn back” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
