Meaning trap

go back

have existed since

To have existed or started at a particular time in the past.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

have existed since

To have existed or started at a particular time in the past.

go back (return)

Another meaning of 'go back' is 'return'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

This tradition goes back to the 18th century.history
The use of computers in education goes back several decades, but it has become much more common recently.IELTS speaking

Pattern: go back (to [time])

WrongWe go back since school.

RightWe go back to our school days. / We go way back.

Use 'go back TO + time', or the set phrase 'go way back' (= known each other a long time).

Patterngo back (to [time])

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Our friendship has existed since our childhood.

Natural Our friendship goes back to childhood.

'Goes back to' is the natural way to date a long relationship or tradition. 'Has existed since' is stiff.

Words that usually travel with it.

This sense is about time, not movement.

go back (return) — Another meaning of 'go back' is 'return'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.