get back
phrasal verb·4 senses·particle back
Meanings
Return to a place
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“Maya got back home from work before dinner.”
“We got back to camp before dark.”
“We won't get back until late.”
Reply to someone, often with information they asked for
Why “back”? The action returns to the person who did it first.
“I need to check and get back to you.”
“I'll get back to you about the price.”
Take revenge on someone
“She wanted to get back at him.”
“He got back at his rival by reporting the trick.”
“She will get back at them later.”
Receive something again that you had before
Why “back”? Something returns to an earlier state.
“I finally got my deposit back.”
“Did you get your bike back from the police?”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“Maya got back home from work before dinner.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
get away
A contrast learners often mix up
Escape from a place or situation; Take a short holiday; Avoid being caught or punished for something
get over
A contrast learners often mix up
Recover from an illness or upset; Overcome a difficulty; Cross to the other side of an obstacle; Manage to finish something difficult
answer back
Same back pattern: returning action
Reply in a defiant manner
bounce back
Same back pattern: normal again
Become well, happy, or successful again after a problem
bring back
Same back pattern: return
Return with someone or something to the original place; Cause memories to return to the mind; Reintroduce a custom, law or product
call back
Same back pattern: return
Return a phone call; Try the phone call again; Recall a product because of a fault
come back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Become popular or fashionable again; Be remembered after being forgotten
date back
Same back pattern: normal again
Have origins from an earlier time
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