kicked back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kicked back" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relaxed or laid-back state, often in a casual context. Example: "After a long week at work, I just want to kick back and enjoy a movie at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then, suddenly, Arsenal kicked back.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now we've been kicked back down again.

The New York Times

The ball gets kicked back and forth.

The New York Times

"The anger has kicked back in," the witness said.

The New York Times

Jessie began taking them and the craving kicked back in.

The Guardian

But my mother's revelation showed I had kicked back.

The Guardian

The candidates' contributions were kicked back to Thursday night's episode.

The New York Times

Then he kicked back with a relaxing tequila shot.

The New York Times

One reviewer described how her supervisors routinely kicked back loans where she had identified harm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kicked-back easy going style is my choice 99% of the time.

Huffington Post

That said, they combine that with a homey, kicked-back attitude that's very Floridian.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kicked back" to illustrate a return to a previous condition or intensity, especially when discussing habits or feelings. Example: "After a period of sobriety, his addiction kicked back in."

Common error

While "kicked back" is suitable for informal contexts, avoid using it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "relaxed", "retaliated" or "resumed" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kicked back" is a phrasal verb. It modifies a verb, adds information about direction and manner. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Kicked back" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used in informal contexts to describe relaxation, resistance, or a return to a previous state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and common in written English, particularly in news and media sources. While it can add a casual tone to your writing, avoid overusing it in formal or academic settings. Consider alternatives like "relaxed", "retaliated", or "reverted" to maintain the appropriate register. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relaxed

Focuses on the state of being free from tension or anxiety, emphasizing tranquility.

unwound

Highlights the process of releasing tension, suggesting a gradual return to a calm state.

rebelled

Emphasizes an act of defiance or resistance against authority or expectations.

retaliated

Indicates a response to an attack or injury, focusing on revenge or retribution.

resisted

Highlights the act of opposing or withstanding something, emphasizing a struggle against force or pressure.

reemerged

Suggests a return to prominence or visibility after a period of absence or obscurity.

returned

Simply indicates a coming or going back to a place or state.

reverted

Implies a return to a former state, practice, or belief, often suggesting a negative change.

rebounded

Focuses on recovering quickly from a setback or difficulty, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

recouped

Highlights the act of regaining something lost, especially money or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "kicked back" in a sentence?

You can use "kicked back" to describe someone relaxing, as in "After work, I just wanted to kick back and watch TV". It can also mean to resist or retaliate, like "The employees kicked back against the new management policies" or to describe a return to a former state, such as "His anxiety kicked back in after the stressful event".

What are some alternatives to "kicked back" when describing relaxation?

Instead of "kicked back", you could use phrases like "relaxed", "unwound", or "took it easy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "kicked back" in writing?

"Kicked back" is generally appropriate in informal and conversational writing. It may be less suitable for formal academic or professional contexts, where more precise language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "kicked back" and "bounced back"?

"Kicked back" often implies a relaxed state or a forceful reaction, while "bounced back" suggests a recovery from a setback. For example, "After the project was delayed, the team bounced back with renewed energy" implies recovery, while "He kicked back in his chair" suggests relaxation.