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come back — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 returnto return to a place where you were before.
  2. 2 become popular againto become popular or fashionable again after being out of style.
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1

return

B1come back to/from somewhereMost common

to return to a place where you were before.

She came back from her holiday last night.

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

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

Common mistake

She came back to home late.

She came back home late. / She came home late.

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

Tell it apart

Come back when you're ready.

return towards me

Go back and check the door.

return there, away from me
Use 'come back' when talking about returning to where the speaker or listener is.'Go back' is used when the speaker is not at the place being returned to.

Often paired with

come back (to)

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