Go back

phrasal verb

To return to a place where you were before.

After the vacation, we have to go back home

Often appears as...

go back home
go back to work

phrasal verb

To change to a previous state or way of behaving.

After the argument, their relationship could never go back to the way it was

Often appears as...

go back to normal
go back to sleep

phrasal verb

To reconsider or think again about a past decision or statement.

He tried to go back on his word, but it was too late

Often appears as...

go back on a promise
go back on a decision

phrasal verb

To refer to something earlier in a conversation or piece of writing.

To answer your question, we need to go back to what we discussed earlier

Often appears as...

go back to a topic
go back to a conversation

phrasal verb

To have a history or past that extends to.

The traditions of this festival go back hundreds of years

Often appears as...

go back years
go back centuries

phrasal verb

To return to a place where you were before.

After the vacation, we have to go back home

Often appears as...

go back home
go back to work

phrasal verb

To change to a previous state or way of behaving.

After the argument, their relationship could never go back to the way it was

Often appears as...

go back to normal
go back to sleep

phrasal verb

To reconsider or think again about a past decision or statement.

He tried to go back on his word, but it was too late

Often appears as...

go back on a promise
go back on a decision

phrasal verb

To refer to something earlier in a conversation or piece of writing.

To answer your question, we need to go back to what we discussed earlier

Often appears as...

go back to a topic
go back to a conversation

phrasal verb

To have a history or past that extends to.

The traditions of this festival go back hundreds of years

Often appears as...

go back years
go back centuries

Definition 1 of 5

Pro Tip 1/2

Temporal Context

Use 'go back' when discussing movement to a previous location, often recently visited.

When are you planning to go back to the cabin?

Pro Tip 2/2

Physical Movement

'Go back' implies physical movement to a place you've been before, like returning home.

I forgot my bag and had to go back to the office.

Pro Tip 1/2

Temporal Context

Use 'go back' when discussing movement to a previous location, often recently visited.

When are you planning to go back to the cabin?

Pro Tip 2/2

Physical Movement

'Go back' implies physical movement to a place you've been before, like returning home.

I forgot my bag and had to go back to the office.

Pro Tip 1/2

Temporal Context

Use 'go back' when discussing movement to a previous location, often recently visited.

When are you planning to go back to the cabin?

Pro Tip 2/2

Physical Movement

'Go back' implies physical movement to a place you've been before, like returning home.

I forgot my bag and had to go back to the office.

Visual representation of the word "Go back"

Never forget "Go back"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension