send them back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "send them back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to returning items, people, or things to their original place or sender. Example: "If the items are defective, please send them back for a full refund."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then we send them back to the place where the trauma was inflicted".

The New Yorker

For us just to send them back?

The New Yorker

Or you send them back.

The Guardian

And then we'd send them back.

Stanford University

We won! Now send them back".

The Guardian

Authorities could still send them back to Colombia.

The New York Times

Italy announced Monday that it would not send them back.

The New York Times

They know we cannot send them back to those countries".

The Economist

Really cocky letters.He'd send them back saying, "Good luck".

The New York Times

"But it would still be inhumane to send them back".

The New York Times

"Send them back to their country," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "send them back" in formal writing, consider the context and whether a more precise term like "return", "deport", or "repatriate" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "send them back" in situations where it might be perceived as insensitive or discriminatory, especially when referring to people. Choose more neutral language to maintain objectivity and avoid unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "send them back" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of returning someone or something to their original location or source. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "send them back" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of returning someone or something to their original source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While its register varies from neutral to informal depending on the source, it's crucial to consider the sensitivity of the context, particularly when referring to people. Alternatives such as "return them", "ship them back", or "deport them" may be more suitable depending on the specific situation. The phrase is very common, appearing frequently in news media, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When writing, be mindful of the connotations and potential for misinterpretation to ensure clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return them

A more general term for sending something to its origin.

ship them back

Implies the use of a shipping service for the return.

deport them

Specifically refers to sending people back to their country of origin, often forcefully.

repatriate them

Similar to deport, but can also imply a voluntary return.

refer them back

Suggests directing someone to where they came from for assistance or further action.

turn them away

Indicates a refusal to accept or admit someone.

reject them

A broader term for refusing to accept something or someone.

expel them

Suggests a forceful removal or banishment.

kick them out

An informal way of saying to force someone to leave.

bounce them back

Suggests sending back quickly and efficiently.

FAQs

How to use "send them back" in a sentence?

You can use "send them back" when you want to express the action of returning items, people, or things to their original place or sender. For example: "If the items are defective, please "return them" for a full refund."

What can I say instead of "send them back"?

Alternatives to "send them back" include "return them", "ship them back", or "deport them" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "send them back" or "send it back"?

"Send them back" is used for plural nouns or pronouns, while "send it back" is for singular nouns or pronouns. For example: "The shoes didn't fit, so I will "send them back"." vs. "The shirt was too small, so I will "send it back"."

What's the difference between "send them back" and "take them back"?

"Send them back" usually implies using a third party to return something, like a shipping service, while "take them back" suggests personally returning something to its origin. For example, "I will "send them back" via mail" versus "I will "take them back" to the store."