What are the definitions of “win back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Regain or recover.
A Heathrow airport worker who was sacked for wearing a nose stud has won back her job.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “win back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb win back is to regain or recover something that was lost, such as trust, love, or a position. It often involves making an effort to get something back.
What are the different verb forms of “win back”?
| Root Verb | win back |
| Third Person Singular Present | wins back |
| Present Participle | winning back |
| Simple Past | won back |
| Past Participle | won back |
Example
She wants to win back her ex-boyfriend's love.
Example
He wins back the trust of his friends after apologizing.
Example
They are winning back customers with their new marketing strategy.
Example
She won back her job after proving her innocence.
Example
The team won back their title as champions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “win 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
“win 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
He won back her trust by being honest.
Example
She won her job back after the misunderstanding was cleared.
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
“win 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
He won back her trust by being honest.
Example
She won her job back after the misunderstanding was cleared.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “win back”?
Good things to know
Does “win back” have an informal or formal tone?
Win 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, such as business meetings or written communication.
