[General] Being back with their family

[Silverobama]

Hi,

What does this sentence mean?


Being back with their family should provide emotional stability for the children.


Thanks a lot

 

[5jj]

Being back with their family should provide emotional stability for the children.

I imagine that the children have been separated from their family - perhaps they were in care or in hospital for some time. This would have caused emotional upset, which may be reduced by their return to family life.

 

[SoothingDave]

The children must have been away from their family. So going back to them will provide emotional stability to them.

 

[Silverobama]

Thanks a lot, I should put the question in this way:

What does "being back with", does it mean "go back to their family"? I guess here family means family members though?

 

[5jj]

What does "being back with", does it mean "go back to their family"?

'Going back to...' means that they go back to...
'Being back with...' means that they are back with...

In this specific example, there is not a great deal of difference in the situation referred to, though that is not to say that they 'mean' the same.

 

[Silverobama]

Thanks a lot, Five.

A last question, what does "back" mean?

 

[5jj]

A last question, what does "back" mean?

In combination with many verbs it conveys an idea of 'returning'.

I borrowed 'War and Peace' from Henry last week . I must remember to give it back to him when I finish it..

I used to live in Regensburg. I went back there on holiday last year.

A: The DVD you ordered has finally arrived.
B: It's come too late - I don't want it now. I'll send it back.