come back another time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'come back another time' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone returning to a place at a later time, for example: "I'm sorry, we're closed right now, please come back another time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

They would come back another time.

The New York Times

I offered to come back another time.

The New York Times

Still, she planned to come back another time.

The New Yorker

A guard hearing the ruckus advised him, not unkindly, to come back another time.

The New York Times

If you must taste other things on the menu, come back another time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Usually, they couldn't fill it: they'd give me an "owing note", meaning I had to come back another time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I thought he came for his tent?" "He came back another time".

The New Yorker

[Then], if he comes back another time, I [would] know exactly what I should ask so that there is less guess work.

BMC Family Practice

If complete privacy cannot be maintained at the time of follow-up, the RA will come back at another time or meet the woman elsewhere at her convenience.

BMC Women's Health

"There are certain stories that come back, time and time again, and that always work.

The New Yorker

"This team has come back time and time again," Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come back another time", consider the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing. It can sound dismissive if not delivered politely.

Common error

While "come back another time" is generally acceptable, it can be perceived as too informal in professional communication. Opt for phrases like "return at your convenience" or "revisit at a later date" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come back another time" functions as an imperative, advising or suggesting that someone returns at a later, unspecified occasion. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come back another time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to suggest a return visit at a later, unspecified point. While Ludwig AI indicates it is correct, its frequency is uncommon, and its register leans toward neutral or slightly informal. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When opting for phrases similar to “come back another time”, make sure they match the level of formality and context needed. Consider your relationship with the individual. It’s generally recommended to use phrases like “return at your convenience” or “revisit at a later date” in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Come back later

Shorter, more direct, and less polite.

Return at a later date

More formal and emphasizes scheduling.

Visit again sometime

Suggests a less specific and more casual return.

Come around another time

Informal way to suggest a future visit, especially to someone's house

Revisit at your convenience

Emphasizes the visitor's schedule and choice.

Feel free to return another time

Offers an open invitation for a future visit.

Try again another time

Focuses on repeating an action rather than a physical return.

Plan to come back soon

Encourages an intention for a near return.

We hope to see you again

Expresses a desire for a future encounter.

Join us another time

Invites someone to participate in something at a later point.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "come back another time"?

To be polite, soften the request with phrases like "Please feel free to "come back another time" when it's more convenient for you" or "We'd be happy to assist you if you "come back another time"".

What's the difference between "come back later" and "come back another time"?

"Come back later" is more immediate and suggests a return within the same day. "Come back another time" implies a return on a different day or at a less specific future point.

Is "come back at another time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "come back at another time" is grammatically correct, but ""come back another time"" is slightly more common and natural-sounding.

What are some professional alternatives to "come back another time"?

In a professional setting, you can use phrases like "Please return at your convenience", "We welcome you to revisit us later", or "Feel free to schedule another appointment" instead of ""come back another time"".