Use send back to return something by sending it, or to send a message in reply.

The idea

This separable verb is neutral in everyday English. Say send back the parcel or send the parcel back, but put a pronoun between the words: send it back.

Examples

  • I sent the shoes back because they were too small.
  • Please send back the broken lamp tomorrow.
  • The shop will send it back to the maker.
  • Maya sent back a short reply after lunch.
  • We sent the form back with our new address.
  • Can you send them back before Friday?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not say send back it: an object pronoun must come before back.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Please send ___ the damaged bag. (back / away)

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    back

    back completes the phrase for returning the bag.

  2. Choose the correct option. The bag is damaged. I will send ___ back today. (it / them)

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    it

    it refers to the singular bag and stands between the verb and particle.

  3. Choose the correct option. They ___ the package back yesterday. (sent / send)

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    sent

    sent matches the past time indicated by yesterday.

Use it today

Describe something you need to send back and explain why.