back in action

USAGE SUMMARY

"back in action" is a valid phrase in written English.
This phrase typically refers to someone or something that has been inactive in the past, but is now active once again. For example, you could say, "After months of rehabilitation, the injured soldier is finally back in action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Back in action soon.

The Guardian - Sport

Serena Williams will be back in action soon.

The New York Times - Sports

9. Charles Kennedy is back in action.

The Guardian

But it was exciting to see him back in action".

The New York Times - Sports

Many of the best American auteurs are back in action.

Independent

Great day to see a British brand back in action.

Independent

"The brilliant Ingrid Oliver is back in action," he said.

Independent

"I'm looking forward to getting back in action".

The New York Times - Sports

PS From Jon: the LHC is nearly back in action.

The Guardian

When will we see you back in action?

The Guardian - Sport

10.59pm GMT Tom Cruise is back in action!

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back in action" to clearly communicate that someone or something is resuming activity after a pause due to injury, repairs, or any other form of interruption. Ensure the context makes it clear what the subject is returning to.

Common error

Avoid using "back in action" when the subject has only experienced a minor or insignificant pause. This phrase implies a more substantial period of inactivity or recovery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in action" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a return to a state of activity or operation. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it describes the resumption of previous functions after a period of inactivity or recovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back in action" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a return to activity after a period of inactivity. According to Ludwig AI, it’s considered grammatically correct and is predominantly found in News & Media contexts. Expert analysis indicates that the phrase is consistently used, emphasizing a return to previous functions or activities. While there are alternative phrases such as "up and running" or "operational again", "back in action" remains a clear and effective way to communicate that someone or something has resumed its normal functions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Up and running

Suggests a return to full and smooth operation.

Ready to roll

Suggests readiness for immediate action or deployment.

Operational again

Emphasizes the return to a working state, focusing on functionality.

In working order again

Specifies that something is fixed and able to perform its intended function.

Functioning once more

Highlights the resumption of normal operation or performance.

Online again

Highlights the return to an active and connected state, especially in technological contexts.

Reactivated

Focuses on the process of being made active again, often after a period of dormancy.

Back to normal

Indicates a return to a typical or expected state of activity.

Reinstated

Implies a return to a previous position or condition, often in a formal or official context.

Resumed activity

Formally denotes the restart of a particular task or set of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "back in action" in a sentence?

You can use "back in action" to indicate that someone or something has returned to their usual activities after a period of inactivity. For instance, "After recovering from his injury, the quarterback is finally "back in action"".

What are some alternatives to "back in action"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "up and running", "operational again", or "functioning once more" as alternatives to "back in action".

Is it appropriate to use "back in action" in formal writing?

Yes, "back in action" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, especially when describing a return to activity after a significant pause or recovery. However, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "resumed activity".

What does "back in action" typically imply?

"Back in action" typically implies that there was a notable period of inactivity or inability to perform, followed by a return to the previous level of function or activity. This could be due to injury, repair, or any other reason that caused a pause.