# give back

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/give-back
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will give back it." but "I will give it back." — When the object is a pronoun, it must come between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.