Language point

When a verb and a preposition come together to form a phrasal verb, they take on new meanings. For example, we learn today that to sit back means to relax in a comfortable sitting position.

Example: Catch your own fish, then sit back on the cabin deck to watch the sunset. (SCMP, May 6, 2003)

To sit back also means to wait for something to happen without making any effort.

Example: 'As the health problem drags on, we cannot just sit back and do nothing. Hong Kong's economy will worsen if developers stop flat sales,' said New World sales and marketing manager Barbara Ho. (Business Post, April 17, 2003)

Example: 'Any time China decides they want to get involved in a sport, they don't sit back. And don't think for a minute that they are happy about the way Taiwan has been so much better than them at baseball. They are desperate to reverse that,' said Tom McCarthy, the former Asian basketball guru who is now running the four-team China Baseball League. (SCMP, April 13, 2003)

DO WE NEED THE PREPOSITION 'BACK' IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES?