back at the keyboard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back at the keyboard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has returned to their computer or is resuming work on a computer after a break. Example: "After a short lunch break, I'm back at the keyboard and ready to tackle the next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

So it is cause for celebration to find him back at the keyboard on this album of standards.

The New York Times - Arts

By the end of the set, with the funk of the Time's "My Summertime Thang," he was back at the keyboard, jabbing at an organ riff and raising his hand with a certain number of fingers up to cue band hits and false endings, working up both the band and crowd.

The New York Times

"It's irrepressible and comes from the same deep well that I drew upon when a student asked if I had any last words at the end of my last course at Iowa -- and without thinking, I told her, 'Just keep writing.' " Indeed, Mr. Klaus is back at the keyboard, pounding out the chapters of a book of essays.

The New York Times - Books

They are on the phone and in meetings, but when it comes to updating Salesforce, they are back at the keyboard again typing notes and milestones, or searching for metrics about their performance.

TechCrunch

I'm back at the keyboard after a 5-year hiatus during which I left my research position at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, started a high-tech company, and took it from technology start-up to profitable business (with a LOT of help!).

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Creating fine prose comes later – back at home at the keyboard.

The Guardian - Books

When you want to convert it to tying mode, the screen lifts off and attaches to a flap at the back of the keyboard.

TechCrunch

Back at my keyboard, the phone rang again.

Huffington Post

Use a separate piece of tape lined up with the first at the front and back of the keyboard before the places its path curves.

WikiHow

This makes keeping track transparently easy and fun for the audience as he switches roles often mid-sentence, if not mid-air on the way back for another turn at the keyboard.

Huffington Post

Early classics of musique concrete include "Poeme Electronique," Iannis Xenakis's "Bohor" (also included in the festival), Luening's "Fantasy in Space" and Luc Ferrari's "Presque Rien" No. 1. Today, the ubiquity of samplers, which record natural sounds and play them back at the touch of a keyboard, renders "musique concrete" a quaint and outmoded term.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context: This phrase is suitable for informal to neutral settings but may be less appropriate for highly formal communications.

Common error

Avoid using "back at the keyboard" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "resuming work" or "continuing the analysis" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back at the keyboard" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a return to computer-related work or activity. Ludwig examples show its use in signaling a resumption of tasks. It is a straightforward way to communicate that someone is once again engaged with their computer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back at the keyboard" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to convey a return to computer-related activities. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, noting its function as an indicator of resumed focus and effort. While prevalent in News & Media contexts, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use this phrase to communicate their return to the digital workspace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returned to typing

Focuses specifically on the action of typing rather than the location.

resumed keyboarding

Emphasizes the activity of using a keyboard; slightly more technical.

back to the computer

Broader, referring to general computer use, not just typing.

at my desk again

Shifts focus to the desk as the place of return, rather than the keyboard itself.

restarted writing

Highlights the writing aspect of keyboard use.

back in front of the screen

Focuses on the visual aspect of computer use.

resumed my digital tasks

Formal alternative focusing on tasks rather than the physical keyboard

re-engaged with my device

Focuses on user's engagement

began typing again

Focuses on action of typing

now working digitally

Refers to digital work instead of just focusing on the keyboard

FAQs

How can I use "back at the keyboard" in a sentence?

You can use "back at the keyboard" to indicate a return to work after a break, as in, "After lunch, I'm "back at the keyboard" and ready to finish the report."

What are some alternatives to "back at the keyboard"?

Some alternatives include "returned to typing", "resumed keyboarding", or "back to the computer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "back at the keyboard" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "back at the keyboard" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "resuming work" or "continuing the analysis".

What does "back at the keyboard" imply?

It implies a return to a task involving computer use, typically after an interruption or break. It suggests a resumption of focus and effort on digital tasks.