send back

USAGE SUMMARY

"send back" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to returning something that was given or sent to you, such as a package or money. For example, "I received the wrong item in the package, so I'm going to send it back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They'll send back their entries.

The New Yorker

Please send back Kim Sun Il alive".

The New York Times

Some Niueans living abroad send back remittances.

The Guardian

They had to send back their truck.

The New York Times

They send back 10 pages of notes.

The Guardian - Books

I always send back pictures of people.

The New York Times - Arts

They want people who will send back income to Kabul".

The New Yorker

We had to send back overcooked loin lamb chops.

The New York Times

"They asked us to send back our autographs".

Independent

It's occasionally necessary to send back wine in a restaurant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The CA1 pyramidal neurons send back-projections into the deep-layer neurons of the entorhinal cortex [ 21].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "send back" when you want to clearly indicate that something is being returned to its original sender or source. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's a physical item or an abstract concept like a memory.

Common error

Avoid using "send back" when "return" or "give back" would be more appropriate. "Send back" typically implies a previous sending action, so ensure that the context reflects this exchange. Using the wrong term can make your writing sound unnatural or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "send back" is as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of returning something to its origin. This can refer to physical objects, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "We had to send back overcooked loin lamb chops", or abstract concepts such as memories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "send back" is a versatile expression used to denote the action of returning something to its source or origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and common in written English. It frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media and Science, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using "send back", remember that it typically implies a previous sending action and that alternative terms like "return" or "give back" might be more appropriate depending on the formality and specific nuances of the situation. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently use "send back" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return

A more formal and general term for giving something back.

give back

A less formal synonym for returning something.

remit

Implies sending money back, particularly in a formal context.

reimburse

Refers specifically to returning money to someone.

restore

Suggests returning something to its original condition or place.

refund

Specifically means to give back money.

mail back

Specifies the method of returning via mail.

dispatch back

More formal synonym for returning

ship back

Return something using a shipping service.

bring back

Suggests physically transporting something back.

FAQs

How do you use "send back" in a sentence?

You can use "send back" to describe the action of returning something to its origin, such as "I need to "return" this package" or "The company will "dispatch back" the defective items".

What can I say instead of "send back"?

Alternatives for "send back" include "return", "give back", or "mail back" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "sent back" or "send back"?

"Sent back" is the past tense and past participle of "send back". Use "sent back" when referring to a completed action in the past, such as "I "returned" the package yesterday".

What's the difference between "send back" and "give back"?

"Send back" usually implies a formal return process, often involving shipping or mailing. "Give back" is generally less formal and can refer to returning something in person. Both phrases convey the idea of returning something to its source or owner.