bring back

Meaning

To 'bring back' means to return with something you took, or to return an item to its original place or owner. It can also mean to cause someone to remember something (bring back memories) or to make something popular again (bring back a trend).

Examples

• Please bring back my book when you are finished reading it.

  Please bring back my book when you are finished reading it.

• Seeing these old photos really brings back some great memories.

  Seeing these old photos really brings back some great memories.

• They are trying to bring back the fashion styles of the 1990s.

  They are trying to bring back the fashion styles of the 1990s.

• If you go to the kitchen, could you bring back a glass of water?

  If you go to the kitchen, could you bring back a glass of water?

• The store has a policy where you can bring back items within thirty days.

  The store has a policy where you can bring back items within thirty days.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Can you bring back me my pen?

  ✓ Can you bring me back my pen?

  With personal pronouns like 'me', place the pronoun between 'bring' and 'back' (bring me back) or use 'bring my pen back to me'.

• ✗ I will bring back it tomorrow.

  ✓ I will bring it back tomorrow.

  If the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'bring' and 'back' (bring it back).

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ my lawnmower when you're done with it.

  💡 return an item

  Show answer

  bring back

• Hearing that old song always ___ memories of my childhood.

  💡 causes someone to remember (conjugate for 'song')

  Show answer

  brings back