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B1At the Dentist

When Will You Come Back to the Dentist?

Phrasal Verb: come back |Grammar: Future with Will

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'come back' and form sentences with the future tense using 'will' to schedule and talk about follow-up dentist visits.

Article

Visiting the dentist is important for healthy teeth. After a check-up or treatment, the dentist will often ask you to come back for a follow-up visit. This means you will return to the dental office later to check if everything is okay. For example, the dentist will say, 'You will come back in two weeks for a cleaning.' Sometimes, problems need more than one appointment, so the dentist will tell you when you will come back next. If you feel pain or have questions, you will come back sooner to get help. Dentists will make sure you will come back at the right time to keep your teeth healthy. Remember, you will come back to keep your smile bright!

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'come back' means to return to a place you have been before.

Grammar Note

The future with 'will' is used to talk about decisions or plans in the future. It is formed by 'will' + base verb, for example, 'You will come back.'

Usage Tips

  • Use 'will' plus the base verb to talk about future events you predict or promise.
  • Use 'come back' when talking about returning to a place, like the dentist's office.
  • Combine 'will' and 'come back' to schedule or talk about future visits.

Examples

You will come back next month for a check-up.

Scheduling a future visit

If your tooth hurts, you will come back earlier.

Talking about a possible return

The dentist will tell you when you will come back.

Information about follow-up appointments

I will come back in two weeks for the cleaning.

Patient talking about their next visit

We will come back to see if the treatment worked.

Purpose of returning

Dialogue

Context: Patient scheduling a follow-up visit after a dental check-up.

Dentist:
You have a small cavity. You will need to come back next week for the filling.
Patient:
Okay, I will come back next Tuesday, then.
Dentist:
Great. Also, you will come back in six months for a routine check-up.
Patient:
Will you remind me when to come back?
Dentist:
Yes, we will send you a reminder by email.
Patient:
Thank you. I will make sure to come back on time.

Vocabulary

Appointment
A scheduled meeting with a professional
Example: I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.
Synonym: Meeting
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay
Example: The dentist found a cavity in my molar.
Synonym: Decay
Filling
Material used to repair a cavity in a tooth
Example: The dentist put a filling in my tooth.
Synonym: Repair
Cleaning
The process of removing plaque from teeth
Example: You should have a dental cleaning every six months.
Synonym: Polishing
Reminder
A message that helps you remember something
Example: The clinic sent me a reminder for my next visit.
Synonym: Notification
Treatment
Medical care given to improve health
Example: The dentist started treatment to fix my tooth.
Synonym: Care
Check-up
A general examination to check health
Example: I go to the dentist for a check-up twice a year.
Synonym: Examination
Pain
An unpleasant feeling caused by injury or illness
Example: If you feel pain, you should come back immediately.
Synonym: Ache
Healthy
Being in good physical condition
Example: Brushing your teeth keeps them healthy.
Synonym: Well
Schedule
To arrange a time for an event
Example: We will schedule your next visit soon.
Synonym: Plan

Tips

  • Always confirm your next visit date to avoid missing appointments.
  • Use 'will' to confidently talk about future plans with your dentist.
  • Don’t confuse 'come back' with 'go back'; 'come back' means returning to the place where you are or have been.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned the meaning of the phrasal verb 'come back' when talking about returning to the dentist. You also practiced using the future tense with 'will' to talk about future appointments and plans. Now, you can confidently schedule and discuss follow-up dental visits.

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