October 5, 2011 - Word of the Day: back

The word "back" is used when returning or going in reverse. You can use it as an adjective or as a verb.

• Mandy took her dress back to the store because there was a problem with a zipper.
• Natasha and George want to go back to Ukraine.
• Who are they backing in the next election. (back = support with money or votes)
• When politicians make back room deals, some members of the public get angry. (back room deal = negotiation that isn't public or covered by the media)
• Back into that parking spot if you can. (back in = put the car in reverse and park)
• When trucks back up, they often make a beeping noise to warn pedestrians.
• Martha just came back from Afghanistan where she helped open a new school for girls.

You can also use "back" as a noun to describe a location. It's similar to the noun "rear."

• You can find the milk in the back of the refrigerator. I like to sit in the back of the bus.
• We keep our books on shelves in the back of the classroom.
• My back hurts.
• I need to lie on my back when I go to sleep.

This page has additional examples for the word "back."

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