bring them back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring them back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of returning people or things to a previous location or state. Example: "After the event, we need to bring them back to their original positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It doesn't bring them back.

The New York Times

Let's bring them back.

The New York Times - Arts

Then we bring them back together.

The New York Times

"I'm trying to bring them back".

The New York Times - Travel

Nothing will bring them back.

The Guardian

I can't bring them back.

The New Yorker

Would he bring them back?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Running wouldn't bring them back.

The New York Times

We have to bring them back".

The Guardian - Sport

"Our job is to bring them back".

The Guardian

I had a friend bring them back".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bring them back", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "bring them back" when the intent is to simply return something without the connotation of restoration or revival. Use "return them" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring them back" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of returning someone or something to a previous location, condition, or state. This often implies a process of retrieval or restoration. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bring them back" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb widely used to express the action of returning someone or something to a previous state or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct for use in written English. Its prevalence in news and media contexts, alongside occasional appearances in science and formal business settings, points to a generally neutral register. When using "bring them back", it's important to ensure clarity regarding who or what "them" refers to, and to consider whether alternatives like "return them" or "restore them" might be more appropriate for the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return them

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying "bring them back".

restore them

This alternative emphasizes the act of returning something to its original condition.

fetch them back

This alternative suggests retrieving something and bringing it back.

get them back

This alternative is more informal and general, implying the recovery of something.

reintroduce them

This alternative implies bringing something back into a system or environment.

reinstate them

This alternative suggests restoring someone or something to a former position or condition.

recover them

This alternative emphasizes the process of regaining something that was lost or taken.

reclaim them

This alternative suggests asserting a right to take something back.

retrieve them

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding something and bringing it back.

win them back

This alternative implies regaining something through effort or persuasion.

FAQs

What does "bring them back" mean?

The phrase "bring them back" means to return people or things to a previous location or state. It often implies a sense of restoration or revival.

How can I use "bring them back" in a sentence?

You can use "bring them back" in sentences like, "The company is trying to "reintroduce them" to the market," or "We need to "get them back" to their original condition."

What are some alternatives to "bring them back"?

Alternatives to "bring them back" include "return them", "restore them", or "fetch them back", depending on the specific context.

Is "bring them back" formal or informal?

"Bring them back" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "reinstate them" might be preferred in certain situations.