back in service

USAGE SUMMARY

"back in service" is a standard expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is returning to service after a period of unavailability. For example, "After a month of repairs, the train is back in service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Phones are back in service".

The New York Times

Mr. Bloomberg said the transit system was "unlikely to be back" in service on Monday.

The New York Times

AT&T reported Monday that nearly 97 percent of its cell towers were back in service.

The New York Times

Mechanics did some tests and put the elevator back in service at 2 21 p.m.

The New York Times

We are hoping to be back in service in the summertime".

The New York Times

The bronze-rimmed, illuminated clock on the Westchester Arts Council building is back in service.

The New York Times

Upside: Within 14 days, recycled cardboard can be back in service as a box.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The website was back in service by late on Tuesday morning.

The Guardian

He added that the airline expected the plane to be repaired and back in service within a week.

The New York Times

Mayor Bloomberg said mass transit in New York was "unlikely to be back" in service on Monday.

The New York Times

(Some 71% of the 38,000 hotel rooms the city offered before Katrina are now back in service).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back in service", ensure the context clearly indicates what is returning to service and after what period of unavailability. For example, "The subway line is now back in service after extensive repairs."

Common error

Avoid assuming "back in service" automatically implies full, unrestricted functionality. If there are limitations or reduced capacity, specify them. For example, "The server is back in service, but with limited bandwidth."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in service" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a noun (e.g., a machine, a system) indicating that it has returned to a functional or operational state. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back in service" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has returned to an operational state after a period of being out of use. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to inform or announce the resumption of functionality. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as shown by the numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the register is generally neutral, it's important to specify any limitations or reduced capacity when using the phrase, ensuring clarity about the scope of service. Consider alternatives such as "operational again" or "returned to use" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational again

Focuses on the state of being operational, omitting the 'return' aspect.

returned to use

Emphasizes the resumption of use after a period of inactivity.

restored to operation

Highlights the act of restoring something to its operational state.

up and running

An informal idiom indicating that something is functioning correctly.

in working order again

Highlights that something is once again in proper working condition.

functional once more

Stresses the restored functionality of something.

serviceable again

Focuses on the ability of something to provide service.

reactivated

Emphasizes the action of making something active again.

reinstated

Highlights the act of putting something back into its previous position or condition.

online again

Specifically refers to systems or services that are accessible via the internet.

FAQs

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

You can use "back in service" to indicate that something is operational again after a period of being out of use. For example, "The library's website is now "back in service" after the cyber attack".

What is a synonym for "back in service"?

Alternatives to "back in service" include "operational again", "returned to use", or "up and running".

Is it correct to say "back to service" instead of "back in service"?

While "back to service" might be understood, ""back in service"" is the more common and grammatically standard phrase.

What does it mean when something is "back in service"?

It means that something that was previously unavailable, due to maintenance, repairs, or other reasons, is now "operational again" and ready for use.