give back
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle back
Meanings
Return something to its owner
Why “back”? You go back to where you started.
“Give me my pen back.”
“Maya gave the bike back after school.”
“Give my book back, please.”
Make a contribution in return to a community or cause
Why “back”? The action returns to the person who did it first.
“She wants to give back to the community.”
“He gives back by coaching local kids.”
Don't confuse with
Give back means return something to its owner. Give away means give something free of charge to someone.
Test yourself
“Give me my pen back.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
give away
A contrast learners often mix up
Give something free of charge to someone; Reveal a secret, often unintentionally; Formally hand a bride to the groom at a wedding
answer back
Same back pattern: returning action
Reply in a defiant manner
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
fight back
Same back pattern: returning action
Defend yourself against an attack; Try to suppress a feeling like tears or anger
fly back
Same back pattern: return
Return by air
get back
Same back pattern: return
Return to a place; Take revenge on someone; Arrive home or return; Reply to someone, often with information they asked for; Take revenge on someone
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