send it back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "send it back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting the return of an item or document that was previously sent or delivered. Example: "If the product is defective, please send it back for a full refund."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— send it back within a month.

The New Yorker

If not, send it back".

The New York Times - Tech

We cannot send it back.

The Guardian

Otherwise, I'm going to send it back".

The New York Times

If not he might send it back.

The New York Times

I had to send it back.

The New Yorker

Perhaps I should send it back?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'd send it back in a naked envelope," he said.

The New York Times

(Stymied by the language barrier, I didn't send it back).

The New York Times

Hold on, give me a minute — send it back.

The New Yorker

Let's use that and send it back to them".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to return an item, be specific about the preferred method (e.g., "Please ship it back via insured mail").

Common error

Always provide the return address clearly when asking someone to "send it back". Avoid ambiguity by including it in the initial communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "send it back" functions as a phrasal verb used to request or instruct the return of an item or information to its original sender. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "send it back" is a common and grammatically sound way to request the return of something. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, it can be considered slightly informal, so consider using "return it" in more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific instructions and the correct return address.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return it

A more general and widely applicable alternative.

ship it back

Implies using a shipping service for the return.

mail it back

Specifically suggests using postal service for the return.

give it back

A simpler and more direct way to express the action of returning something.

hand it over

Suggests a physical act of returning something, often immediately.

revert it

Implies returning something to a previous state or condition.

bounce it back

Informal; indicates returning something quickly or without much consideration.

relay it back

Suggests passing something back through an intermediary.

transfer it back

Suggests returning something through a specific system or channel.

forward it back

Implies sending something back to its original source through a process.

FAQs

How do I politely ask someone to "send it back"?

You can use phrases like "Could you please "return it" at your earliest convenience?" or "I would appreciate it if you could "mail it back" when you have a moment."

What is the difference between "send it back" and "give it back"?

"Send it back" usually implies using a postal service or courier, while "give it back" suggests a direct, often immediate, return.

When is it appropriate to use "ship it back" instead of "send it back"?

Use "ship it back" when the item being returned is larger or requires a shipping service rather than regular mail.

Is "send it back" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider using ""return it"" as it sounds slightly more professional. The appropriateness depends on the relationship with the recipient.