English Reference

Phrasal verb

give back

Definition

phrasal verb. to return something to the person who owns it or who gave it to you.

phrasal verb. to return an object or property to its original owner or previous possessor. Transitive; the direct object can be placed between the verb and the particle.

Examples

“Please give back my pen when you are finished.”

“After borrowing his neighbor's lawnmower for the afternoon, Mark made sure to give it back before sunset.”

“The restitution treaty requires the national museum to give back the stolen artifacts to their country of origin within the next fiscal year.”

Examples

simple

“Please give back my pen when you are finished.”

contextual

“After borrowing his neighbor's lawnmower for the afternoon, Mark made sure to give it back before sunset.”

complex

“The restitution treaty requires the national museum to give back the stolen artifacts to their country of origin within the next fiscal year.”

Usage

If the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'give' and 'back'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'return' to show that 'give back' is the standard choice for everyday objects and informal favors.

Pitfall

I will give back it.

I will give it back.

When the object is a pronoun, it must come between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

back

Separability

optional

Pattern

give + back + object

Synonyms

returnhand backrestore

Antonyms

keeptakewithhold

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 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference