English Reference

Phrasal verb

call back

Definition

phrasal verb. to telephone someone again, or to return a phone call they made to you earlier.

phrasal verb. to return a telephonic communication or to place a second call to a party previously contacted.

Examples

“I'm busy now, so I will call you back later.”

“The manager is in a meeting, but she promises to call back as soon as she is free.”

“After reviewing the initial application, the recruitment team decided to call back the candidate for a more technical second interview.”

Examples

simple

“I'm busy now, so I will call you back later.”

contextual

“The manager is in a meeting, but she promises to call back as soon as she is free.”

complex

“After reviewing the initial application, the recruitment team decided to call back the candidate for a more technical second interview.”

Usage

can be used with or without a direct object representing the person being called.

Teaching tip

this is a highly productive separable phrasal verb; use it to practice pronoun placement, as 'call back him' is a common error compared to 'call him back'.

Pitfall

I will call back him at five.

I will call him back at five.

when using a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

back

Separability

optional

Pattern

call (+ object) + back

Synonyms

phone backreturn a callredial

Antonyms

hang upignore

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference