drove him back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drove him back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is forced to retreat or move away from a particular place or situation. Example: "The fierce storm drove him back to the safety of his home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Smoke and heat drove him back outside.

The New York Times

She drove him back to Centre Island.

The New Yorker

Eventually, the men drove him back to the forest.

The New Yorker

Irvine was curious enough to take another look, and after lunch Thompson drove him back.

The New Yorker

I drove him back and he landed heavily, spilling the ball under the weight of my tackle.

Independent

Not only was this a disastrous failure but the French counteroffensive drove him back to Naples, which itself then fell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The officer agreed to drive him back but propositioned him.

The New York Times

He walks the back roads until sundown, when the assistant returns to drive him back.

The New Yorker

Elliot had given up trying to reach Jim, and the cold had driven him back inside.

The New Yorker

Drive him back into his jungle lair: For he is the harbinger of death.

The New York Times

In the afternoon, he flew to Teterborough Airport, where a car was waiting to drive him back into the city.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drove him back", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the retreat, whether it's a physical force, a situation, or an emotion. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where the reason for someone being "drove him back" is unclear. Always specify what or who caused the retreat for better comprehension. E.g. Instead of "he was drove him back", specify "the storm drove him back".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drove him back" functions as a verb phrase, where "drove" is the past tense of the verb "drive" and "him back" is the object and adverbial particle, respectively. This phrase typically describes a forceful action causing someone or something to retreat. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drove him back" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a forceful retreat or return. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily within the news and media domain. The phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using "drove him back", ensure that you specify what or who caused the retreat to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "forced his retreat" or "compelled him to return" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas while adapting to specific contexts. With its clear meaning and widespread usage, mastering "drove him back" will enhance your written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced his retreat

Emphasizes the act of forcing someone to retreat.

pushed him into retreat

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical act of pushing someone back.

compelled him to return

Highlights the element of compulsion in the return.

repelled his approach

Implies a forceful pushing back of someone approaching.

made him go back

A simpler, more direct way of saying the same thing.

sent him running back

Suggests a hurried and possibly panicked retreat.

caused his return

Focuses on the causation of the return, rather than the force.

thwarted his advance

Emphasizes the act of preventing someone's progress.

deterred him from advancing

Highlights preventing further progress rather than a complete retreat.

checked his progress

Focuses on halting or slowing down progress, rather than a full retreat.

FAQs

How can I use "drove him back" in a sentence?

You can use "drove him back" to describe a situation where someone or something forced another person to retreat or return. For example, "The fierce storm "drove him back" to the safety of his home."

What are some alternatives to "drove him back"?

Some alternatives to "drove him back" include "forced his retreat", "compelled him to return", or "pushed him into retreat", depending on the specific context.

Is "drove him back" grammatically correct?

Yes, "drove him back" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard verb-object structure in English and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "drove him back" and "drove him away"?

"Drove him back" implies a return to a previous location or state, whereas "drove him away" suggests a movement further away from a specific place or situation. The key difference lies in the direction of the movement.