Phrasal verb
give back
Meanings
To return something to the person who owned it or lent it to you.
To contribute time, effort, or resources to help other people or the community.
Definition
To give back means to return something to the person it belongs to.
If you give back something, you return it to the person who had it before. People often use it for borrowed items, lost property, or things taken by mistake. It can also mean offering time, help, or support to others as a way of contributing to the community.
Examples
- I need to give back the book I borrowed from Mia.
- Can you give back my headphones after the flight?
- He gave back the wallet he found on the sidewalk.
- She gives back by volunteering at the animal shelter on weekends.
- They decided to give back to the neighborhood after the storm.
Common mistake
Learners often say "give back to him it" instead of placing the object correctly: "give it back to him."
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.