What are the definitions of “be taken aback”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be shocked or surprised.
I WAS TAKEN ABACK when I saw him because he's lost all his hair.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be taken aback”?
The phrasal verb be taken aback means to be shocked or surprised by something unexpected. It is often used when someone is caught off guard by a situation or a piece of information.
What are the different verb forms of “be taken aback”?
| Root Verb | be taken aback |
| Third Person Singular Present | is taken aback |
| Present Participle | being taken aback |
| Simple Past | was/were taken aback |
| Past Participle | been taken aback |
Example
I was taken aback by the sudden change in plans.
Example
She is taken aback by the news of her friend's sudden departure.
Example
He is being taken aback by the unexpected announcement.
Example
They were taken aback when they found out about the surprise party.
Example
She had been taken aback by the sudden change in her friend's behavior.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be taken aback”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be taken aback” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I was taken aback by the sudden change in plans.
Example
She was taken aback by the news of her friend's sudden departure.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be taken aback” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I was taken aback by the sudden change in plans.
Example
She was taken aback by the news of her friend's sudden departure.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be taken aback”?
Be taken aback by someone/something
To be surprised or shocked by a person or a situation.
Example
I was taken aback by her honesty and openness during our conversation.
Good things to know
Does “be taken aback” have an informal or formal tone?
Be taken aback is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in writing or professional situations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “be taken aback”?
Synonyms
- astonished
- amazed
- astounded
- dumbfounded
- surprised
- shocked
- stunned
- flabbergasted
Antonyms
- expecting
- unsurprised
- unimpressed
- unmoved
- unaffected
- prepared
- ready
