The desk is a return destination; the market is where Mina has been. In the notebook question, for names the reason for returning. Come back includes the idea of returning, not just arriving for the first time.

The idea

Use come back to a destination, come back from a place visited and come back for an item you want to collect. Say come back home/here without to. The past is came back; after did use come back.

Examples

  • Come back to the desk when you have the form.
  • Mina came back from the market with fresh bread.
  • Omar is coming back tomorrow afternoon.
  • Please come back here after lunch.
  • Lea came back home before the rain started.
  • Did you come back for your notebook?

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Watch out

Come back often presents the return towards the speaker, listener or an adopted viewpoint. Go back can present it towards another place. Neither choice is determined only by a map; the conversational viewpoint matters.

Try it yourself

  1. The desk is the destination: ask the visitor to return there with the form. Come back ___ the desk with the form. (to / from)

    Show answer or example answer

    to

    The desk is the destination of the return, so use to.

  2. Choose the correct option. Mina returned after shopping: she came back ___ the market. (from / for)

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    from

    The shopping is finished and the market is the place left behind, so use from.

  3. Choose the correct option. Lea ___ home last night. (came back / came back to)

    Show answer or example answer

    came back

    Home is used directly after the movement phrase: came back home, without to.

Use it today

Describe a return from the market to a meeting place, then ask whether someone returned for a forgotten item. Include one return home without to.