Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Date Back'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb ‘date back’ is used to indicate that something, such as an event, tradition, or artifact, originated at a specific time in the past.

Examples in context

Many rituals in this village date back to ancient times.
The temple ruins we visited date back over a thousand years.
Her collection of books dates back to her youth.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb ‘date back’ is used to indicate that something, such as an event, tradition, or artifact, originated at a specific time in the past.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be separated by an object in the sentence.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

This phrasal verb requires a time reference or subject to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	date back	The tradition dates back to the 18th century.
Past Simple	dated back	The artifact dated back to an ancient civilization.
Present Continuous	dating back	The manuscripts are still studied by those dating back several centuries.
Present Perfect	have dated back	Several theories have dated back to the medieval period.

💡 When to Use

Discussing historical origins

Use 'date back' to specify the historical origin or period of an object, tradition, or event.

Example: "The architecture of the building dates back to the Renaissance."

Explaining traditions

To elucidate the origins of customs or traditions, use 'date back' for clear communication.

Example: "Our family gatherings date back to the early 1900s."

Describing archaeological findings

In discussing ancient findings or artifacts, use 'date back' to indicate the time of origin.

Example: "These tools date back to the Stone Age."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong verb tense

❌ Wrong: The artifact is date back to 500 BC.

✅ Correct: The artifact dates back to 500 BC.

💡 Tip: Use 'dates back' for present tense references.

Separation of phrasal verb

❌ Wrong: Date the vase back to the 15th century.

✅ Correct: The vase dates back to the 15th century.

💡 Tip: Keep 'date back' together, don't separate.

Inappropriate usage context

❌ Wrong: The meeting dated back two hours.

✅ Correct: The document dated back to the 18th century.

💡 Tip: Use 'date back' for historical or aged context.

Practice

DATE BACK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Many rituals in this village date back to ancient times.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The temple ruins we visited date back over a thousand years.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Her collection of books dates back to her youth.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

originate go back

Antonyms

modernize

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"This tradition ___ back to medieval Europe."

dates forward

date back

dated

dated back

"Wisdoms dating back through ages remind us that our roots shape our future, urging history's lessons to guide modern paths."

In Context

The archeological discovery of the Rosetta Stone dates back to 1799 when it was unearthed by French soldiers near the town of Rashid (Rosetta) in Egypt. This significant event marked the beginning of modern Egyptology. The stone dates back to the period of 196 BC and contains the same text in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and Egyptian hieroglyphics. Until then, Egyptian hieroglyphics had been a mystery, as no one could translate them. However, the elements on the Rosetta Stone offered a linguistic key. In 1822, the French scholar Jean-François Champollion managed to decipher the hieroglyphs by comparing three scripts, shedding light on the lost language of ancient Egypt. The decipherment, dating back two decades after its discovery, revolutionized the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history, providing invaluable insights. The Stone itself, now hosted in the British Museum, continues to be a vital artifact. This irreplaceable relic, dating back over two millennia, is pivotal in connecting today's scholars with civilization's ancient narratives. Its endless inspiration and study affirm not only discoveries that date back in origins but how our understanding of history evolves through diligent scholarship.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Date Back

What is the origin of date back?

The phrase 'date back' originates from the early 19th century, combining 'date', meaning to ascertain or assign a period to something, with ‘back’, indicating a past origin.

Can date back be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'date back' is a neutral phrasal verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts, often used in historical, academic, or casual conversations.

What is the difference between date back and go back?

While both indicate a time origin, 'date back' is more formal and precise for historical context, whereas 'go back' can be used casually for general time references.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

DATE BACK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Date Back

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega