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bring back — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
bring back
1return something2make someone remember

Meaning 1 · most common

return something

  • bring back sth

to take something or someone to the place where they were before, or to give something back to its owner.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please bring back my book when you finish reading it.

A: Are you going to the office today?
B: Yes, do you want me to bring back your charger?

Common mistake

Not: Please bring back me my charger.

Say: Please bring my charger back. / Please bring it back to me.

The thing returned is the object; the person needs 'to me'.

More on “return something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I borrow something from a friend, I always make sure to bring it back as soon as possible.

Tell it apart

Bring the ladder back when you're done.

  • return it towards me

Take the ladder back to the shed.

  • move it there, away from me

Goes with

  • bring back + item
Practice saying this
Next meaning: make someone remember

Meaning 2

make someone remember

  • bring back sth

to cause someone to remember something from the past.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

This song brings back so many memories from my childhood.

A: Why are you smiling at that photo?
B: It brings back good times we had at university.

Common mistake

Not: That smell brings back me memories.

Say: That smell brings back memories. / That smell brings memories back.

The thing remembered is the object ('bring back memories'); don't slot a person in there.

More on “make someone remember”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Looking at old pictures can bring back strong emotions, especially if they remind you of important moments in your life.

Tell it apart

This photo brings back so many memories.

  • makes me remember

Can you bring back my book?

  • return it to me — different sense

Goes with

  • bring back + memories
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return somethingmake someone remember