not come back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not come back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has not returned or will not return. Example: "After the argument, he decided to leave and not come back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— have not come back.

The New York Times

He did not come back.

The New York Times

Muhannad did not come back.

The New Yorker

But she did not come back.

The New York Times

"They just may not come back".

The New York Times - Arts

I would not come back tomorrow.

The New York Times

Such returns may not come back.

The Economist

They will not come back here".

The New York Times

I will not come back".

The New York Times

And then they do not come back.

The Guardian

Everyone knows she might not come back.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not come back" to clearly indicate that someone or something is absent and will not return. Ensure the context provides enough information about who or what is not returning and from where.

Common error

Avoid using "not come back" when a temporary absence is intended. For short absences, phrases like "away for a while" or "temporarily unavailable" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not come back" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the absence of return. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts. The phrase serves to negate the action of returning, implying either a permanent departure or a failure to reappear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not come back" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the absence of return. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly employed across various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. While direct and generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the implications of permanence when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like ""not return"" or ""fail to return"" might be more appropriate in certain formal or specific situations. Understanding the nuances of this phrase ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not return

A more formal and direct way of saying someone or something will not be back.

not be back

A simpler and more casual way to express the idea of absence.

fail to return

Implies a possible expectation or obligation to come back that was unmet.

never come back

Emphasizes the permanence of the absence.

not reappear

Focuses on the lack of a second appearance.

disappear permanently

Highlights the idea of vanishing without a trace.

not revisit

Specifically refers to not visiting a place again.

stay away

Suggests a deliberate choice to not return or approach.

be gone for good

An idiomatic expression indicating a final departure.

not make it back

Implies inability or impossibility to return.

FAQs

How can I use "not come back" in a sentence?

You can use "not come back" to describe a permanent absence or a decision to stay away. For example, "After the argument, he decided to leave and "not return"".

What are some alternatives to "not come back"?

Alternatives include "not return", "never come back", or "fail to return", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not come back"?

Yes, "not come back" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to indicate that someone or something will not return.

What's the difference between "not come back" and "not be back"?

"Not come back" often implies a more permanent or decisive absence, while "not be back" can suggest a temporary absence, though the distinction can be subtle and context-dependent.