attach back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attach back" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate reattaching something that was previously detached, but it's better to use clearer expressions. Example: "Please attach back the cover after replacing the batteries."

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Attach back beams.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The big fear is not being able to get the AUV, which isn't attached, back on board the ship, which means it can't be used when the weather is really bad.

BBC

For what it's worth, a better way to do it would be like PayPal, which just withdraws funds from your attached back account if you spend more than is available on your PayPal debit card.

TechCrunch

Cruise was attached back in March, though, giving "Man From U.N.C.L.E".

Huffington Post

In an odd casting twist, Portman had been attached back in the summer of '08 to star as the lead dancer in Green's planned remake of Dario Argento's Suspiria.

Vice

The α-axial ligand, extending below the corrin ring, is a nitrogen of the 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) phosphoribosyl moiety that also attaches back to the corrin ring through one of its propionamide side chains.

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine

These components are fabricated on separate glass substrates that are attached back-to-back, resulting in devices with a thickness that is determined by the substrates.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

If you want to make a lorry with an attached back-section, use pipe-cleaner to connect them.

WikiHow

If you want to attach the back of the eyeball to the craft, instead, work through one more loop of thread towards the back.

WikiHow

Attach the back board.

WikiHow

Attach the back panel.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and conciseness, replace "attach back" with more standard alternatives like "reattach" or "put back on".

Common error

While "attach back" is understandable, relying too heavily on phrasal verbs can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for single-word verbs like "reattach" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attach back" functions as a verb phrase where "attach" is the verb and "back" acts as an adverbial particle, modifying the verb to indicate a return to a previous state. As Ludwig suggests, it's more common to use alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attach back" is used to describe the action of rejoining or reconnecting something. However, as Ludwig suggests, it is not considered standard English and can be replaced with clearer alternatives like "reattach" or "put back on". While understandable, opting for more precise terms is advisable, especially in formal writing. The phrase appears in a mix of contexts, including WikiHow guides, news articles, and scientific documents, indicating a somewhat broad but infrequent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reattach

This alternative offers a more concise and grammatically standard way to express the action of attaching something again.

reconnect

This implies re-establishing a link or connection, often used in the context of electronics or relationships.

put back on

This is a simple and direct way to say that something is being placed back onto something else.

fix back

This suggests restoring something to its original position by attaching it again.

secure again

This emphasizes the act of fastening something in place once more.

fasten again

Similar to "secure again", but focuses on the action of fastening.

join again

This suggests linking or uniting something that was previously separated.

affix anew

This is a more formal way of saying "attach again".

return to original position

This highlights the act of restoring something to its initial placement.

stick back on

This is an informal way to refer to attaching something to something else.

FAQs

What does "attach back" mean?

"Attach back" generally means to fasten or connect something again, typically to its original position. However, it's not a standard English phrase.

What can I say instead of "attach back"?

You can use alternatives like "reattach", "put back on", or "reconnect" depending on the context.

Is "attach back" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "attach back" is not considered grammatically standard. It's better to use a more precise and conventional term like "reattach".

When is it appropriate to use "attach back"?

Although generally discouraged in formal writing, "attach back" might be used in informal settings where clarity is not critical. However, it's always safer to opt for clearer alternatives.