teɪk bæk
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- take
- Particle:
- back
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "take back" mean?
- To return something to a store
- To admit that something you said was wrong
- To cause someone to remember a past time
- To allow someone to return (to a relationship or job)
Examples
- I need to take back these shoes—they don't fit.
- I take back what I said—you were right.
- This song takes me back to my high school days.
- She took him back even after he cheated on her.
- The store wouldn't take back the item without a receipt.
How to use it
'Take it back!' is a demand to retract a statement. 'That takes me back' expresses nostalgia.
Word order
Separable: 'take something back' or 'take back something'; 'take someone back'
Similar expressions
return
retract
withdraw
remind
reconcile
Opposites
keep
stand by
forget
reject
Related phrasal verbs
- take off
To remove clothing or accessories
- take on
To accept a responsibility, job, or challenge
- take up
To start a new hobby, activity, or interest
- take over
To gain control of something (company, position, responsibility)
- take out
To remove something from a place
- take away
To remove something or someone from a place
Use it in a practice answer
Try "take back" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.