land back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "land back" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about returning land to Indigenous peoples or communities, often in the context of land rights and reparations. Example: "The movement to land back is gaining momentum as more people recognize the importance of acknowledging historical injustices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They wanted their land back.

The Guardian - Music

"I want the land back," he said.

The New York Times

We thought you could give land back to the Indians".

The New York Times

"The nations have got their own land back.

The New York Times

Later when the fish in the lake declined the Paiutes wanted the land back.

The New Yorker

Most of his money seems to have gone to buy land back in Stratford.

The New Yorker

The Kurds are united to bring our land back under our control".

Independent

They have grabbed land back and reduced some landlords to penury by boycotting their fields.

The Economist

"We just want our land back," said Khin Mar Win, 32, a villager.

The New York Times

Why should somebody with no land fight to get somebody else's land back?

The New York Times

They are now "depolderising", removing or lowering the surrounding dykes and turning land back into floodplains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical or social justice issues, using the phrase "land back" can be a powerful way to acknowledge past injustices and advocate for Indigenous land rights.

Common error

Avoid using "land back" in contexts where it doesn't align with discussions of Indigenous sovereignty or historical land disputes; otherwise, it might be misinterpreted or seem insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "land back" functions as a demand or advocacy statement, primarily used in political and social contexts related to Indigenous land rights. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its use in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "land back" is a powerful statement advocating for the return of land to Indigenous peoples, primarily used in news, media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in discussions surrounding historical injustices and Indigenous sovereignty. While alternatives like "return the land" and "reclaim the land" exist, "land back" carries a specific connotation related to Indigenous rights and self-determination. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure sensitivity and relevance, aligning with its core meaning of rectifying historical wrongs and supporting Indigenous communities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the land back

A simpler and more direct way of saying "land back".

return the land

Focuses on the act of giving the land back.

reclaim the land

Emphasizes the act of taking back possession of the land.

restore the land

Highlights the process of bringing the land back to its original state.

repatriate the land

Implies returning the land to its native or original owners.

land repatriation

Emphasizes the return of land to its original owners or inhabitants.

cede the land back

Focuses on the formal act of relinquishing control and returning the land.

land recovery

Highlights the process of recovering lost or taken land.

land restoration

This refers to the process of restoring land to a former condition or productivity.

transfer of land

Focuses on the action of transferring land ownership.

FAQs

What does the phrase "land back" mean in discussions about Indigenous rights?

In the context of Indigenous rights, "land back" signifies the return of land to Indigenous peoples, often as a form of restitution for historical injustices and broken treaties.

Are there alternative phrases to "land back" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "return the land", "reclaim the land", or "restore the land" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "land back" used in a sentence?

The phrase "land back" is often used in sentences discussing Indigenous movements and the effort to regain ancestral territories. For example: "The movement calls for land back as a means of achieving justice and self-determination."

What's the difference between "land back" and "land restitution"?

"Land back" is a direct demand for the return of land, often emphasizing Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. "Land restitution" /s/land+restitution refers more broadly to the process of returning land, which may involve legal or governmental frameworks.