sending back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sending back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of returning something to its original sender or location. Example: "I will be sending back the defective item to the manufacturer for a refund."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

WHAT kind of data is Voyager I still sending back?

The New York Times

They all need sending back to were [sic] they belong!!

The Guardian

Even then, sending back failed asylum seekers is often impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are they sending back the meal eight times?

The New York Times

Imagine Johnny Vegas sending back a bottle of wine.

The Guardian - Travel

"I am not the candidate that the blan is sending back to Haiti.

The Economist

Wendell Steavenson is there for The New Yorker, and sending back dispatches.

The New Yorker

She knew he was sending back whatever money he could to support the family.

The New York Times

Sending back twelve million immigrants, Bush said, "is just not — not possible.

The New Yorker

A companion spacecraft, Voyager 2, also launched in 1977, has stopped sending back images as well.

The New York Times - Science

They're sending back reservation money, so that's a pretty good sign that they're not crying wolf".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sending back", consider the context. "Returning" might be more appropriate for simple returns, while "shipping back" is better when referring to postal services.

Common error

In very formal writing, consider alternatives like "returning" or "dispatching" as "sending back" might sound too casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sending back" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "send" with the adverbial particle "back". It's used to describe the action of returning something or someone to its original place or sender, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sending back" is a common and generally acceptable phrasal verb that describes the act of returning something or someone to their origin. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, be mindful of the context: simpler terms like "returning" may suffice in casual scenarios, while more formal alternatives like "dispatching" might be better suited for professional settings. While "sending back" is a useful and widely understood phrase, being aware of its nuances will allow to be the most effective with this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning

Implies a simpler action of giving something back.

shipping back

Specifically refers to the act of returning something via a shipping service.

mailing back

Similar to shipping back but specifically via postal service.

dispatching back

Suggests a more formal or official return.

transferring back

Implies a movement of something back to its original place or owner.

relaying

Suggests a passing on or transmission, often of information.

beaming back

Often used in science fiction contexts for transmitting data or objects.

reverting

Indicates a return to a previous state or condition.

extraditing

Refers specifically to the legal process of returning someone to face trial.

deporting

Specifically refers to the action of expelling a person from a country.

FAQs

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

You can use "sending back" when referring to the act of returning something or someone to their origin. For example: "I am "sending back" the defective product for a refund" or "The country is "sending back" refugees to their home country".

What's the difference between "sending back" and "returning"?

"Returning" is a more general term for giving something back, while "sending back" often implies a physical act of shipping or dispatching something. "Sending back" often involves a journey or delivery process.

What can I say instead of "sending back"?

You can use alternatives like "returning", "shipping back", or "mailing back" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sending back"?

It's appropriate to use "sending back" when you want to emphasize the act of physically returning something to its origin, especially when it involves a journey or delivery process. For example, a store might "sending back" unsold inventory to a warehouse.