How to say “come back” like a native speaker
Return to a place, activity or earlier subject. It can be an invitation, a request or part of a description.
All phrases · Travel
Hear “come back” in real speech
Clip 1 · VOA Learning English
Philadelphia’s history, Spring green, Lunar landings, Scene · 22:08
About this video
Bryan Lynn and Anna Matteo introduce a VOA Learning English programme about Philadelphia, spring, lunar landings and the word “scene”. The programme includes a discussion of China's moon exploration.
In context
She was yelling.Hey, come back with my umbrella.
When you watch the video, you can easily see that to grab
Clip 2 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 62:58
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
And I salute you for that.And I suggest that you come back again and bring your friends.
Clip 3 · Robert Waldinger
The Secret to a Happy Life — Lessons from 8 Decades of Research | Robert Waldinger | TED · 3:41
About this video
Robert Waldinger discusses research following people through their adult lives and what it suggests about happiness and health. In conversation with an interviewer, he returns to the importance of relationships and their health benefits.
In context
and I might start sweating a little bit and I'm just not feeling as well.Now, what we're meant to do is to come back to equilibrium when a stressor goes away.
That's the way the body is supposed to work.
When to use “come back”
- Welcoming a future visit: “Come back when you have more time.”
- Returning to an unfinished discussion: “Let's come back to the budget after lunch.”
Common learner mistake
Choose “come back” for a return towards the speaker or shared reference point; use “go back” for a return elsewhere.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “come back”
Let the M of “come” move straight into B. Keep the final K of “back” compact, without an extra syllable.
Related phrases
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