What are the definitions of “come back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Return.
I left work and CAME BACK home early.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come back is to return to a place or situation. It can be used to describe someone returning home, coming back to a previous topic in a conversation, or returning to a previous state or condition.
What are the different verb forms of “come back”?
| Root Verb | come back |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes back |
| Present Participle | coming back |
| Simple Past | came back |
| Past Participle | come back |
Example
Please come back before it gets dark.
Example
She always comes back home late from work.
Example
He is coming back from his vacation tomorrow.
Example
They came back to the party after they finished their errands.
Example
She had come back to the office to pick up her forgotten phone.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come back”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come back” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He came back to the topic later in the conversation.
Example
She came back from her trip feeling refreshed.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He came back to the topic later in the conversation.
Example
She came back from her trip feeling refreshed.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come back”?
Good things to know
Does “come back” have an informal or formal tone?
Come back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business meetings or academic discussions.
