coming back then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming back then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a return to a previous point in time or a situation, often in a conversational context. Example: "I will be coming back then to discuss the project further after the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Well, will you be coming back then?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Blatt later conceded that her main motivation for coming back then was the money.

The Guardian - Music

"If he's coming back, then it's great for the game," the Knicks' general manager, Ernie Grunfeld, said last night.

The New York Times - Sports

"Once they see the fish coming back, see the fish growing, see a beautiful reef coming back, then they become the ones who protect the reef," he said.

The New York Times

If that isn't coming back, then who at Chelsea other than its owner is responsible for spending millions of pounds on a busted flush?

The New York Times - Sports

"But as soon as you start to see new buildings going up, houses being renovated and businesses coming back, then your mood starts to change".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

When her husband comes back, then she gets pregnant.

The New Yorker

If they came back, then a beating was in order.

The Guardian - Opinion

"First the earthworms come back, then the bees, then the wild animals," Shields said.

The New Yorker

Another marched west, turned abruptly and came back, then turned west again.

The New Yorker

You might wonder why she's come back, then, given the culture of celebrity today.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming back then" to clearly indicate a return to a specific time or situation previously mentioned in the conversation or text. It provides a sense of continuity and connection to the prior context.

Common error

Avoid confusing "then" (referring to time) with "than" (used for comparisons). "Coming back than" is grammatically incorrect; always use "coming back then" when indicating a return at a specific time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming back then" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a return to a specific point in time. It specifies when the action of returning will occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming back then" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a return to a specific time or situation. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While it's important to use "then" correctly (and not confuse it with "than"), the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Consider alternatives like "returning at that time" or "will be back then" for slight variations, ensuring clear communication about timing and expectations. With a source quality score of 91 and an expert rating of 4.5, "coming back then" is a reliable and effective phrase in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning at that point

Replaces "coming back" with "returning" and uses "at that point" instead of "then".

returning at that time

Similar to the previous phrase, but uses "at that time" for a slight variation.

coming back at that juncture

Substitutes "then" with "at that juncture", making it slightly more formal.

returning later

Simplifies the phrase to a more general indication of a future return.

making a return at that time

Uses a more formal tone with "making a return" instead of "coming back".

will be back then

Changes the structure to a more direct statement of future presence.

planning to return then

Adds an element of intention or planning to the return.

expected to return then

Indicates an expectation of return at a specific time.

scheduled to return then

Suggests a firm arrangement or schedule for the return.

reappearing then

Uses "reappearing" to emphasize the return after an absence.

FAQs

How can I use "coming back then" in a sentence?

You can use "coming back then" to indicate a return to a previously discussed time or event. For example, "If you finish the report by Friday, I'll be "coming back then" to review it with you."

What are some alternatives to "coming back then"?

Alternatives include phrases like "returning at that time", "returning at that point", or "will be back then", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "coming back than" instead of "coming back then"?

No, it is not correct. "Than" is used for comparisons, while "then" refers to time. The correct phrase to use is ""coming back then"" when indicating a return at a specific time.

What does "coming back then" imply in a conversation?

"Coming back then" implies that the speaker intends to return to a particular subject, location, or time that has already been established or understood by the participants in the conversation.