SpeakUp

Grammar fix

give back

return something

to return something to the person or place it came from, especially after borrowing or using it.

phrasal verbB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Please give back my pen when you’re finished with it.daily life
  • If I borrow something from a friend, I always make sure to give it back as soon as possible because I think it shows respect.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: give something back (to someone)

WrongCan you give back me my pen?

RightCan you give my pen back? / give me my pen back?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'give it back', never 'give back it'.

Patterngive something back (to someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Kindly return the book to me when you have finished.

Natural Give me the book back when you're done.

'Give back' is the everyday phrasal verb; 'kindly return' is formal/written.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • give + back
    the moneyitmy keysthe change

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'take back', which can mean to admit you were wrong or to physically bring something back.

Try it in Daily Speak →