Meaning trap
bring back
return something
to take something or someone to the place where they were before, or to give something back to its owner.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to take something or someone to the place where they were before, or to give something back to its owner.
Another meaning of 'bring back' is 'make someone remember'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Please bring back my book when you finish reading it.daily life
- If I borrow something from a friend, I always make sure to bring it back as soon as possible.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: bring back [object]
WrongPlease bring back me my charger.
RightPlease bring my charger back. / Please bring it back to me.
The thing returned is the object; the person needs 'to me'.
Patternbring back [object]
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Bring back' is the everyday verb for returning a thing; 'return the borrowed item' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
bring back + itemthe keysitmy booka souvenir
Don't confuse it
'Take back' is used when you move something away from where you are; 'bring back' is used when you return something to where you or the listener is.
Related
- bring back (make someone remember) — Another meaning of 'bring back' is 'make someone remember'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.