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 Head Back

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'head back' means to return to a place one has previously been. It often suggests a reversal of direction from a journey or task.

Examples in context

After the movie ended, we decided to head back to the car.
The explorers realized they should head back before sunset.
Let's head back to the hotel after dinner, it's getting late.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'head back' means to return to a place one has previously been. It often suggests a reversal of direction from a journey or task.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle stay together; they cannot be split.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, usually a location or direction.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	head back	They head back to the office after lunch.
Past Simple	headed back	Yesterday, we headed back home early.
Present Continuous	heading back	She is heading back to college this afternoon.
Present Perfect	have headed back	We have already headed back to the base.

💡 When to Use

When plans change

Use 'head back' when needing to return from an ongoing task or journey due to a change in circumstances.

Example: "We decided to head back when the storm hit."

After completing a task

Use 'head back' to indicate returning after successfully completing the intended work or exploration.

Example: "After visiting the festival, we headed back for dinner."

Lost or unsure

Use 'head back' when one feels unsure or lost and decides to retrace steps to a familiar or safer point.

Example: "Lost in the forest, he headed back to the campsite."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as separable

❌ Wrong: He heads the town back late at night.

✅ Correct: He heads back to the town late at night.

💡 Tip: Remember 'head back' stays together.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They head back yesterday evening.

✅ Correct: They headed back yesterday evening.

💡 Tip: Use past form for past events.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She is heading back.

✅ Correct: She is heading back to the office.

💡 Tip: Always indicate where you're heading back to.

Practice

HEAD 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

After the movie ended, we decided to head back to the car.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The explorers realized they should head back before sunset.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Let's head back to the hotel after dinner, it's getting late.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

return go back

Antonyms

depart

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After a long day at the beach, they decided to ___ back home."

return

head back

stay

leave

"In life's journey, when the path grows uncertain, head back to where wisdom first whispered to your heart's understanding."

In Context

In 1805, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark began their journey to explore the newly acquired territories of the Louisiana Purchase, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. As the Lewis and Clark Expedition set forth from St. Louis, they aimed to map the terrain and establish American presence before competing European powers could. Their journey westward was arduous, marked by harsh weather, challenging landscapes, and tense encounters with native tribes. In September 1806, after reaching the Pacific Ocean and successfully documenting their findings, Lewis and Clark decided to head back to St. Louis. The return journey was crucial, as it involved retracing their steps and ensuring their journey's data would safely reach the U.S. government. On September 23, 1806, they finally arrived back in St. Louis, greeted as heroes. The expedition had taken over two years but established maps and reports vital to America’s westward expansion. Headed back to civilization, the information they brought transformed the young nation’s understanding of its continental expanse. Their achievements ensured safe routes for future settlers, boosting exploration and development in the west. Their decision to head back was pivotal, ensuring the survival of crucial information for posterity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Head Back

What is the origin of head back?

The origin of 'head back' comes from the literal use of 'head' to mean directing one's course, combined with 'back' to indicate returning or reversing direction.

Can head back be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Head back' is neutral and can be effectively used in both formal and informal contexts, such as reports or casual conversations about travel or plans.

What is the difference between head back and return?

While 'head back' and 'return' can often be synonyms, 'head back' specifically implies the act of setting off to return, whereas 'return' can also mean the broader state of being back.

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

HEAD BACK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Head Back

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega