Phrasal verb
turn back
Meanings
to go back in the direction you came from
to make something move back to an earlier position, place, or page
Definition
To turn back means to return in the direction you came from, usually because you cannot or should not continue.
If you turn back, you stop going forward and go back the way you came. People often turn back because they are lost, the weather is bad, or something blocks the way. It can describe a physical journey or movement, not just a change of plan.
Examples
- I had to turn back because I forgot my keys.
- You should turn back if the trail gets too icy.
- He turned back when he realized he was on the wrong road.
- She turned back a few pages to check the instructions.
- They turned back before the storm reached the campsite.
Common mistake
Learners often say "turn around back" instead of the simpler and correct "turn back" when they mean to return the way they came.
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.