poured back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poured back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of returning a liquid to its original container or location, often after it has been removed or displaced. Example: "After measuring the required amount of water, she poured back the excess into the jug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They poured back onto the field and began pouring cans of beer on one another as joyous fans captured the historic moment with their cellphone cameras.

The New York Times - Sports

The men poured back into the streets and alleyways.

The New York Times

It evolved through multiple fittings and poured back into pattern technique.

The New York Times

And once visitors poured back to Zermatt, he began to be in demand.

The Economist

The liquid can then be poured back and blended in more easily.

The New York Times

Three hours after the blast, the police lifted roadblocks, and traffic poured back into the street.

The New York Times

This week, to confuse things further, Democratic money poured back into the state.

The New York Times

Thousands of Somali expats have poured back into Mogadishu with numerous buildings now under construction.

The Guardian

Any profits are poured back into the store, covering costs such as rent and the transport of provisions.

The Guardian

The money generated for the growers has been poured back into community projects, like a women's' education project in Mexico.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The demonstrators poured back in, setting up a camp and a speaker's podium and making it clear that they would not leave until their demands were met.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poured back" to describe a return of something in a large quantity or with force, whether it's people, liquids, or resources. This adds vividness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "poured back" when a simpler verb like "returned" or "replaced" would suffice. Overusing idiomatic expressions can make your writing sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poured back" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes an action of returning, typically of something that flows or moves in quantity. Ludwig shows examples where it signifies the return of people, liquids, or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poured back" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe the return of something in a substantial quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. The analysis reveals that it appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When "poured back" doesn't quite fit, alternatives such as "returned", "flowed back", and "rushed back" can provide more nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

streamed back

Similar to flowed back, but can also be used for people or data, offering broader applicability.

flowed back

This suggests a more fluid and continuous movement compared to "poured back".

returned

This alternative replaces the idiomatic "poured back" with a more direct verb of returning.

rushed back

Implies a sense of urgency and speed in returning, unlike the neutral tone of "poured back".

funneled back

Suggests a directed or channelled return, implying control or constraint.

channeled back

Similar to funneled back, emphasizing direction and control in the return process.

reverted

Emphasizes a return to a previous state or condition, rather than a physical return.

redirected

Focuses on changing the course or destination back to a prior location.

cycled back

Implies a return as part of a repeating process or system.

given back

Highlights the act of returning something that was previously taken or used.

FAQs

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

You can use "poured back" to describe the return of something, such as "After the concert, the crowd "streamed back" into the streets" or "The company "reinvested" the profits, which were "given back" into research and development".

What's a good alternative to "poured back"?

Alternatives include "returned", "flowed back", or "rushed back", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "poured back" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more direct verb like "returned" might be more suitable for highly formal or technical writing. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What does "poured back" imply about the manner of return?

"Poured back" suggests a return that is copious, forceful, or abundant. It implies more than a simple return; it suggests a significant quantity or intensity.