The particle "back" in phrasal verbs usually conveys the idea of returning, reversing, or retrieving. It can express going back to a place, returning something, or undoing an action.
Common meanings of "back" in phrasal verbs
- Returning to a place or state: go back, come back, get back
- Giving or putting something in its original place: give back, put back, take back
- Reversing an action or decision: back out, back down
- Support or reinforcement: back up, stand back
Tips to learn English phrasal verbs with back
- Associate "back" with the idea of returning or reversing.
- Use a list of phrasal verbs with back and group them by meaning.
- Think of "back" in terms of undoing or supporting.
- Focus on the meaning of back in phrasal verbs to understand patterns.
Full list of phrasal verbs with back
be back
to have returned to a place
bring back
return something or someone to its earlier place or state
come back
return to a place
fall back
to retreat
get back
return to a place or return something
give back
return something to its owner
go back
return to a place or a previous state
send back
return something to the place or person it came from
set back
to delay the progress of something
take back
to return something