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get back — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
get back
returnrecover possessionretaliate

Meaning 1 · most common

return

  • get back to [place)
A scene showing “get back” meaning “return to a place”.

To come back to a place, especially after being away.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I usually get back from work around six o'clock.

A: What time did you get back last night?
B: Not until midnight. The train was delayed.

Common mistake

Not: I got back to home late.

Say: I got back home late. / got back late.

No 'to' before 'home' — 'get back home' or just 'get back'.

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

Another example

If I travel for business, I try to get back home as soon as possible because I miss my family.

Tell it apart

We got back at midnight.

  • returned home

We got our deposit back.

  • had it returned

Goes with

  • get back (home/to)
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Next meaning: recover possession

Meaning 2

recover possession

  • get sth back
A scene showing “get back” meaning “have something returned to you”.

To have something returned to you after losing it or lending it.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I finally got my book back from Sarah after two months.

A: Did you get your deposit back from the landlord?
B: Yes, but it took a few weeks.

Common mistake

Not: Did you get back it?

Say: Did you get it back?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'get it back'.

More on “recover possession”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I lent my friend some notes for the exam, but it took a while to get them back.

Tell it apart

Did you get your book back?

  • have it returned

Did you get back okay?

  • return/arrive home safely

Goes with

  • get + thing + back
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Next meaning: retaliate

Meaning 3

retaliate

  • get back at sb for sth
  • informal
A scene showing “get back” meaning “take revenge on someone”.

To do something to someone because they have done something harmful to you; to take revenge.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

She finally got back at her colleague for spreading those rumours.

A: I can't believe he embarrassed you like that in front of everyone!
B: Don't worry, I'll get back at him sooner or later.

Common mistake

Not: He wanted to get back to her for cheating.

Say: He wanted to get back at her for cheating.

For revenge it's 'get back AT someone' — 'get back to' means reply/return.

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

Another example

While some people believe in turning the other cheek, others feel compelled to get back at those who have wronged them, which can perpetuate cycles of conflict.

Tell it apart

She got back at him for lying.

  • took revenge

She got back to him the next day.

  • replied / returned the contact

Goes with

  • get back at + person
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returnrecover possessionretaliate