come back — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

Meaning 1 · most common

return

  • come back to/from somewhere
At airport arrivals, a woman with a sticker-covered suitcase opens her arms as her son runs to hug her.

to return to a place where you were before.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She came back from her holiday last night.

A: When will you come back home?
B: I’ll be back around 7 pm.

Common mistake

Not: She came back to home late.

Say: She came back home late. / She came home late.

No 'to' before 'home' — 'come back home' or just 'come home'.

More on “return”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I could travel anywhere, I’d love to visit Japan and then come back with lots of new experiences.

Tell it apart

Come back when you're ready.

  • return towards me

Go back and check the door.

  • return there, away from me

Goes with

  • come back (to)
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