Phrasal verb
hand back
Definition
phrasal verb. to return something to the person who gave it to you or who owns it.
phrasal verb. to return an object to its original possessor or to the person who distributed it; often used in educational or administrative contexts.
Examples
“Please hand back your tests at the end of the lesson.”
“The teacher will hand back our graded essays on Monday morning.”
“After the security guard finished inspecting the passport, he handed it back to the traveler with a nod of approval.”
Examples
simple
“Please hand back your tests at the end of the lesson.”
contextual
“The teacher will hand back our graded essays on Monday morning.”
complex
“After the security guard finished inspecting the passport, he handed it back to the traveler with a nod of approval.”
Usage
usually used with physical objects like papers, books, or identification.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'give back'; 'hand back' often implies a more formal distribution and collection process, like in a classroom or office.
Pitfall
He handed back it to me.
He handed it back to me.
when the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
hand + (object) + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/hand-back