Which is the correct phrase: "taken aback" or "taken back"?
2023-04-19
This is what goPenpal answered
Hi there!
Great question! The correct phrase is actually "taken aback." The word "aback" is an adverb that means, "by surprise, in dismay." When we say "taken aback", we mean that a person is surprised or taken off guard by something they just heard or saw.
On the other hand, the phrase "taken back" is not commonly used in this context. It can mean "returned to a previous location or state," but it doesn't convey the same sense of surprise or shock that "taken aback" does.
Think of it this way: if you're standing near the ocean and a giant wave suddenly crashes onto the shore, you might be "taken aback" by the suddenness and force of the wave. But, if you were to say, "I was taken back by the wave," it doesn't quite capture the same meaning.
So, to sum up, the correct phrase is definitely "taken aback." It's always a good idea to double check these kinds of things, and I'm glad you asked! Let me know if you have any other language questions in the future.
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