I took back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you have returned something to its original owner or reversed a previous statement or action. Example: "After realizing my mistake, I took back my comment about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The train, which I took back.

The New Yorker

It was a lesson I took back to Chile, where President Salvador Allende was fighting to stave off a rightwing conspiracy to overthrow his democratic revolution.

The Guardian - Books

When I couldn't stand hiding anymore, having changed my name and lived in fear for years, I took back control of my life.

The Guardian - Opinion

So in the end, I took back my refusal and wrote the piece that had been finished in my mind in one go".

The Guardian - Music

Bloom answered emphatically: "I began brooding about the anxiety of influence well before I came up with the phrase — probably in a course I took, back when I was 18 or 19, about the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible".

The New York Times - Books

That deep hurt is more overtly present in the title track, a reflection on the cruel vicissitudes of showbiz which finds him exulting, "Today I took back what was stolen, and gave new life to what was frozen".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I take back my request.

The New Yorker

I take back what I said before.

The New York Times

How can I take back an invitation without hurt feelings?

The New York Times

I take back everything I said in fourth grade.

The New York Times

Can I take back control of my Facebook news feed?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I took back", ensure the context clearly indicates what was retracted or reclaimed. For example, specify if it's a statement, an item, or control over something.

Common error

Avoid using "I took back" without clearly specifying what was taken back. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took back" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of retrieving, reclaiming, or retracting something. It's used to express that the speaker has reversed a previous action or decision, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I took back" is a common verb phrase used to indicate the retrieval, retraction, or reclamation of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear what action is being reversed. Consider alternatives such as "I retracted" or "I reclaimed" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I took it back

A more direct and less formal way of saying that you retracted something.

I retracted

Implies a formal withdrawal of a statement or promise.

I withdrew

Suggests a removal or pullback of something previously offered or stated.

I reclaimed

Focuses on regaining possession or control of something.

I recovered

Emphasizes the act of getting something back, often after it was lost or stolen.

I got it back

Focuses on the act of regaining possession of something.

I revoked

Indicates a formal cancellation or annulment of a decision or decree.

I rescinded

Similar to 'revoked', implying a formal reversal of a decision.

I backtracked

Implies retreating from a previously held position or statement.

I reneged

Suggests failing to fulfill a promise or agreement.

FAQs

What does "I took back" mean?

The phrase "I took back" generally means to retract a statement, reclaim something that was lost or given away, or regain control over a situation.

What can I say instead of "I took back"?

You can use alternatives like "I retracted", "I withdrew", or "I reclaimed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I take back"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I take back". It is often used to retract a statement or apologize. Example: "I take back what I said earlier."

When should I use "I took back" versus "I take back"?

"I took back" is used when referring to something you already did in the past. "I take back" is used when retracting something in the present moment.