be taken back

USAGE SUMMARY

"be taken back" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
This phrase is usually used to express being surprised or astonished, as in the phrase "I was taken back by the news." It can also be used to express dismay or regret, as in "I was taken back by how quickly the store went out of business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can't be taken back.

The New Yorker

Never to be taken back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gifts given can be taken back, however.

The New York Times

"It's very difficult to be taken back".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, some things can never be taken back".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, words were said that could not be taken back.

The New York Times - Sports

Could the huge wealth they amassed be taken back?

The New York Times

Could they be taken back and improved again?

The Economist

But those words can never be taken back.

The Guardian

Once it's yours, can it be taken back?

The Guardian

"Words said in those conditions can't be taken back.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be taken back", consider whether the active or passive voice is more appropriate for your sentence. The passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action, while the active voice emphasizes the actor.

Common error

Avoid using "be taken back" when you mean to describe an active action of taking something back. The passive voice implies the subject is receiving the action, not performing it. For instance, instead of "I will be taken back the book", use "I will take back the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be taken back" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action. It can denote a physical return, emotional surprise, or a mental recollection. Ludwig AI shows examples spanning various contexts, including news, personal experiences, and hypothetical situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be taken back" is a versatile phrase with meanings ranging from a physical return to emotional surprise. As shown by Ludwig AI, it functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving an action, whether it's being returned to a place, being surprised by an event, or being reminded of something from the past. The phrase's neutral register and common usage across news, wiki, and various other media make it a valuable tool for effective communication. Remember to consider the context to ensure you are using it correctly, differentiating between passive reception and active performance of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be returned

Focuses on the act of physically or metaphorically going back.

be brought back

Implies a restoration or recollection of something.

be reminded of

Highlights the act of recalling something from the past.

be transported to

Suggests a vivid and immersive experience of returning to a place or time.

be carried back

Indicates a passive movement or relocation to a previous state or location.

be sent back

Emphasizes the action of someone or something causing the return.

be restored to

Highlights the act of returning something to its original condition or state.

be regressed to

Indicates a return to an earlier stage of development or a less advanced state.

be referred back

Suggests directing attention or action back to a previous point or source.

be drawn back

Implies a compelling force that causes a return to a previous state or location.

FAQs

How can I use "be taken back" in a sentence?

You can use "be taken back" to describe a return to a place or time, or to express surprise or shock. For example, "I was "taken back" by the news" or "The survivors will "be taken back" to Indonesia".

What does "be taken back" mean?

"Be taken back" can have a few meanings. It can mean to be returned to a place or situation. It can also mean to be surprised or shocked by something, as in, "I was "taken aback" by his rude behavior".

What are some alternatives to "be taken back"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be returned", "be brought back", or "be reminded of".

Is it correct to say "I was taken back"?

Yes, it is correct. "I was taken back" is a common idiom that means you were surprised or shocked by something. For instance, "I was "taken back" by her sudden outburst".