send him back

USAGE SUMMARY

"send him back" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to sending someone back to where they originally came from, or to a previous point in time. For example: "The time machine malfunctioned and sent him back to the year 1872."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Beddoes tried to send him back.

The New Yorker

"Send him back to Afghanistan".

The New Yorker

We will send him back".

The New York Times

Then the government tried to send him back.

The New Yorker

"I'm going to send him back out there," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

So it's unlikely any Western nation would send him back.

The Economist

If they caught him, they would send him back.

The New Yorker

We had no authority to send him back to prison.

The New York Times - Health

However, powerful forces want to send him back.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Michael sent him back down.

The New York Times - Magazine

And who sent him back in?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "send him back" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear. Specify the location or state to which the person is being sent.

Common error

Avoid using "send him back" in highly formal or academic writing without proper context. Consider more precise alternatives like "return him to his country of origin" or "extradite him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "send him back" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive phrasal verb because it requires an object ("him"). It describes the action of causing someone to return to a previous place or state, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "send him back" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies the action of returning a person to a previous location or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and showcases its usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly featured in News & Media, it is generally considered neutral in register, though formal contexts may warrant more precise alternatives. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness, making it a common choice for expressing repatriation, deportation, or simply returning someone to their starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return him

Direct and concise way of saying to send someone back.

deport him

Specifically implies sending someone back to their country of origin, often due to legal reasons.

repatriate him

Emphasizes the act of returning someone to their homeland.

extradite him

Refers to the legal process of sending someone back to face charges.

transfer him back

Focuses on the act of moving someone back, often within an organization.

ship him back

Informal alternative to express to send someone back.

escort him back

Highlights the act of accompanying someone while sending them back.

recall him

Suggests a formal or official order to return.

bring him back

Focuses on the action of bringing someone back to a place.

bounce him back

An extremely informal way to refer to sending someone back. Not suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "send him back" to describe returning someone to a previous location, situation, or country. For example, "The judge decided to "send him back" to his home country."

What are some alternatives to "send him back"?

Alternatives include "return him", "deport him", or "extradite him", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "send him back"?

Yes, "send him back" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples.

What does "send him back" imply?

"Send him back" implies a return to a previous state, location, or condition. The specific implication depends on the context in which it is used. For example, sending someone back to prison differs significantly from sending someone back home.