get back

To return to a place where you were before.

• I got back home at six.
• When will you get back from your trip?
• We need to get back before it gets dark.

How to use it: get back from somewhere (We got back from Italy yesterday.); get back to somewhere (What time will you get back to the office?)

Similar words: return, come back

Opposites: leave

Common phrases: get back home, get back late

To receive or recover something you had before.

• I got my money back.
• Can you help me get my keys back?
• She finally got back the bicycle that had been stolen.

How to use it: get something back (Did you get your camera back?); get something back from someone (She got her book back from Tom.)

Similar words: recover, retrieve, regain

Opposites: lose

Common phrases: get back something, get back money

To contact someone later with a reply or more information.

• I will get back to you tomorrow.
• She got back to me with the details.
• Has the hotel got back to you about our booking?

How to use it: get back to someone about something (I will get back to you about the price.)

Similar words: reply, respond, follow up

Common phrases: get back soon, get back later

To hurt or upset someone because they previously hurt or upset you.

• I will get you back for that!
• She got her brother back by hiding his phone.
• Are you trying to get back at me?

How to use it: get someone back for something (She got him back for hiding her shoes.); get back at someone (He wanted to get back at the boy who bullied him.)

Similar words: take revenge, retaliate

Opposites: forgive

Common phrases: get someone back, get them back

If you help someone who helped you before, you return their kindness.

• You bought lunch, so I will get you back tomorrow.
• She got me back by helping me move.
• Can I get you back for the tickets with dinner?

How to use it: get someone back for something (Let me get you back for buying lunch.)

Similar words: return the favor, repay

Common phrases: get someone back, get you back