back at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'back at work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'back at work' to indicate that someone has recently returned to their job or duties. For example: After a few weeks off, Ali is back at work and ready to tackle new projects.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm back at work.

The New York Times

Cindy was back at work.

The New Yorker

She was back at work within days.

The New York Times - Health

Salim is back at work now.

The New Yorker

He's back at work.

The New York Times - Magazine

You're back at work?

The Guardian

Many are back at work.

The Guardian

Mark is back at work.

The Guardian

Tyree Scott is back at work.

The New York Times

Now everyone is back at work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back at work" to clearly indicate a return to employment or duties after an absence, whether due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. It's concise and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "back at work" when you mean simply "at work". "Back at work" implies a return after a break or absence, whereas "at work" simply indicates current activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back at work" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a return to one's employment or professional responsibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back at work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a return to employment or professional duties after an absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a generally neutral register, understanding its subtle difference from similar phrases like "at work" is crucial for precise communication. Use "back at work" to convey the idea of resuming duties after a break, and avoid using it when simply indicating current work activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Returned to work

Focuses on the action of returning, emphasizing the completion of the return.

Back on the job

Similar to "back at work" but emphasizes the specific task or role.

Now working again

Directly states the resumption of work, suitable for simple explanations.

Resumed duties

A more formal way of saying "back at work", suitable for professional settings.

Reinstated in the job

Implies a formal return, possibly after a suspension or leave of absence.

Rejoined the workforce

Highlights the return to the broader working population.

Back in action

Suggests a return to activity and productivity, often used informally.

Back to business

Similar, but refers to the resumption of general business activities, not necessarily a specific job.

Recommenced employment

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying returning to work.

Readapted to working life

Implies an adjustment period upon returning to work, after a possible significant change.

FAQs

How can I use "back at work" in a sentence?

You can use "back at work" to indicate someone has returned to their job after a break. For instance, "After a long vacation, she's finally "back at work"."

What's a more formal way to say "back at work"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "resumed duties" or "returned to work". These options are suitable for professional communication.

Is it correct to say "back to work" instead of "back at work"?

While both phrases are commonly used, "back at work" usually implies a return to a specific job or role, while "back to business" often refers to resuming general activities or operations.

What does it mean when someone says they are "back at work"?

When someone says they are "back at work", it typically means they have returned to their job or professional duties after a period of absence due to vacation, illness, or another reason.