Phrasal verb
come back
To come back means to return to a place or to return again after leaving.
Meanings
to return to a place after leaving
to return or happen again (of a feeling, memory, problem, or situation)
to reply to someone later with an answer or more information
Definition
When you come back, you return to the place where you were before. It can also mean that something returns, such as a feeling, a memory, or a problem. People often use it in everyday speech for returning in time or reappearing in a situation.
Examples
- I’ll come back after I drop these keys off.
- Can you come back tomorrow morning?
- He came back to the café to get his forgotten umbrella.
- The same worry kept coming back whenever she tried to relax.
- They said they would come back with a final decision by Friday.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "come back" and "go back"—use "come back" when returning toward the speaker or the original point of reference.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.