Phrasal verb
get back
Meanings
to return to a place you were before
to resume an activity after a break or interruption
to regain something you lost (such as time, confidence, or control)
Definition
To get back means to return to a place or to return to a previous activity or situation.
Get back is a common phrasal verb meaning to return, especially to a place you were before. It can also mean to resume an activity after a pause or interruption. In some contexts, it means to regain something you lost, such as time or confidence.
Examples
- I’ll get back before dinner if the traffic isn’t too bad.
- Can you get back to your work after lunch?
- He tried to get back the confidence he lost during the presentation.
- We got back to the hotel late because our train was delayed.
- They need to get back on schedule after the long meeting.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the required preposition and say “get back work” instead of “get back to work.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.