come back
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle back
Meanings
Return to a place
Why “back”? A person, thing, message, or idea returns to an earlier place, person, or time.
“Come back soon.”
“Come back before the shop closes.”
“Maya came back after lunch.”
“Maya and Leo came back to the seaside hotel before its front door closed.”
Become popular or fashionable again
Why “back”? Something returns to an earlier state.
“Flares are coming back.”
“Vinyl records are coming back with teenagers.”
Be remembered after being forgotten
“Her name came back to me.”
“The address came back to me in the taxi.”
Don't confuse with
Come back means return to a place. Come over means visit by crossing to where you are.
Come back means return to a place. Come after means be later in time or order.
Come back means be remembered after being forgotten. Come up means arise as a topic or event.
Test yourself
“Come back soon.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
come after
A contrast learners often mix up
Be later than something in time or order; Chase someone, or try to punish them
come over
A contrast learners often mix up
Visit someone's house or place; Be felt by someone suddenly; Give a particular impression; Change to support a different side or opinion
come up
A contrast learners often mix up
Arise as a topic or event; Create an idea or plan, or find an answer
bounce back
Same back pattern: normal again
Become well, happy, or successful again after a problem
bring back
Same back pattern: return
Return with someone or something to the original place; Cause memories to return to the mind; Reintroduce a custom, law or product
call back
Same back pattern: return
Return a phone call; Try the phone call again; Recall a product because of a fault
date back
Same back pattern: normal again
Have origins from an earlier time
fly back
Same back pattern: return
Return by air
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- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
