What Does โSend sth backโ Mean?
โSend sth backโ means to return something to the place it came from, often because it is unwanted or faulty.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โsend sth backโ is commonly used in everyday English. It refers to the action of returning an item to the sender or the store. This could happen if the item is damaged, incorrect, or simply not wanted. Understanding the โsend sth backโ meaning helps learners communicate clearly when dealing with purchases, gifts, or deliveries. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly can avoid confusion in conversations and written communication.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: send something back
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2
- Short meaning: return an item to its sender
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โSend sth backโ is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between โsendโ and โbackโ or after โback.โ
- send something back
- send back something
Both forms are correct, but the first form is more common in spoken English.
How to Use Send sth back?
Use โsend sth backโ when you want to talk about returning an item. It is often used in shopping, online orders, or when you receive a gift you do not want. The phrase can refer to physical items like clothes, books, or electronics.
Example: If you buy a shirt and it does not fit, you can say, โI will send the shirt back.โ
Examples
Imagine you ordered a pair of shoes online, but they are the wrong size. You might say:
- I need to send these shoes back because they donโt fit.
- Can you send back the wrong item you received?
- She sent the broken phone back to the store.
- They asked me to send back the damaged package immediately.
- We often send back clothes that donโt match our style.
These examples show how to use โsend sth back in a sentenceโ naturally.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or forget to include the object. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I will send back.
- Correct: I will send it back.
- Incorrect: She send back the parcel.
- Correct: She sent back the parcel.
Always remember to include what you are sending back and use the correct verb tense.
Differences / Synonyms
โSend sth backโ is similar to โreturn sth,โ but โsend backโ usually involves mailing or shipping the item. Other phrasal verbs like โgive sth backโ mean to return something directly, often in person.
- Send sth back: Return by mail or delivery.
- Return sth: Give something back, can be in person or by mail.
- Give sth back: Return directly to the owner or person.
Choose the phrase based on how the item is returned.
Common Collocations
When using โsend sth back,โ some objects appear frequently. These collocations help you sound natural:
- send back an order โ return an online purchase
- send back a package โ return a parcel
- send back clothes โ return garments
- send back a product โ return any item bought
- send back a gift โ return a present
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of send sth back:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โsend sth backโ:
Anna: The jacket I ordered is too small.
Ben: Can you send it back and get a bigger size?
Anna: Yes, I will send it back tomorrow.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of โsend sth backโ:
- I __________ the wrong shoes __________ yesterday.
- Did you __________ the damaged book __________ yet?
- She wants to __________ the gift __________ because she already has one.
FAQ
- Q: Can I say โsend backโ without an object?
A: No, you need to include what you are sending back. - Q: Is โsend sth backโ formal?
A: It is informal and commonly used in daily speech. - Q: Can I use โsend sth backโ for emails or messages?
A: No, it is used for physical items only. - Q: What is the difference between โsend backโ and โreturnโ?
A: โSend backโ usually means mailing something, โreturnโ is more general. - Q: Can the object come after โbackโ?
A: Yes, both โsend something backโ and โsend back somethingโ are correct.
