be right back
/bi raɪt bæk/
Meaning
This phrase is used to tell someone that you are leaving for a very short time and will return almost immediately. It is extremely common in both spoken conversations and text messaging, where it is often shortened to 'BRB'.
Examples
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I need to grab my charger from the other room, be right back.
I need to grab my charger from the other room, be right back.
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Hold on a second, someone is at the door, I'll be right back.
Hold on a second, someone is at the door, I'll be right back.
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I'm going to get some water, be right back.
I'm going to get some water, be right back.
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Just texting my mom, be right back!
Just texting my mom, be right back!
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I'll be right back, I forgot my keys upstairs.
I'll be right back, I forgot my keys upstairs.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I will back right.
✓ I'll be right back.
The word order is fixed. 'Right' must go before 'back', and the sentence requires the verb 'be'.
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✗ I am returning back right now.
✓ I'll be right back.
Using 'returning back' is redundant and sounds overly formal and unnatural when you just want to say you will return in a brief moment.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
I'm going to the restroom, ___.
💡 tell someone you will return quickly
Show answer
be right back
-
Wait here, I'll ___ with your coffee.
💡 will return shortly
Show answer
be right back