put back: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “put back” mean?
To return something to its original or proper place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To return something to its original or proper place.
To restore or reschedule something to an earlier state or time; to delay or postpone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. Both use 'put back' for returning items. 'Put back' for postponing is slightly more common in UK English ('The meeting was put back until Thursday'). US English may prefer 'push back' or 'postpone' in scheduling contexts, though 'put back' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'put back' suggests a responsible, orderly action when returning objects. In scheduling, it can sound slightly informal or imprecise compared to 'postpone' or 'reschedule'.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly for the 'postpone' meaning. In US English, the physical 'return' meaning is most common.
Grammar
How to Use “put back” in a Sentence
[Subject] put [Object] back [Prepositional Phrase][Subject] put back [Object][Passive] be put backVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “put back” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please put back the files when you've finished.
- The festival has been put back to September due to the weather.
- He put back the last of his pint.
American English
- Put back the tools in the garage.
- They put back the decision until next quarter.
- She put the cap back on the jar.
adjective
British English
- The put-back meeting caused some diary clashes.
- A put-back book is a found book.
American English
- We have a put-back schedule now.
- The put-back launch date is TBD.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We'll need to put back the product launch by a week." (Scheduling delay)
Academic
"The archaeologist carefully put back the artifact in its case." (Physical restoration)
Everyday
"Can you put the milk back in the fridge?" (Returning an item)
Technical
"The mechanic put back the engine cover after the inspection." (Reassembly)
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “put back”
- Using 'put back' for giving something back to a person (use 'give back').
- Incorrect word order: 'Put back it' instead of 'Put it back'.
- Overusing for long-term postponement (better: 'postpone indefinitely').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Put back' is often more informal and implies a shorter or simpler delay, especially in UK English. 'Postpone' is more formal and neutral.
No. 'Put back' refers to returning an object to a *place*. To return something to a person, use 'give back' or 'return'.
With noun objects, you can say 'put the book back' or 'put back the book'. With pronoun objects (it, them), it MUST be 'put it back', never 'put back it'.
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. The object can come between 'put' and 'back' or after 'put back'.
To return something to its original or proper place.
Put back is usually neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
Put back: in British English it is pronounced /pʊt bæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /pʊt bæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put the clock back (return to past methods/conditions)”
- “Put back the years (appear younger)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a librarian saying, 'PUT that book BACK where you found it.' The action is simple and direct: put + back.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (Postponing is moving an event 'back' on a timeline). ORDER IS CORRECT PLACEMENT (Returning something creates order).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'put back' used CORRECTLY?