back in the field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back in the field" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a return to a specific area of work or activity, often after a period away or in a different role. Example: "After several months of training, I am finally back in the field, ready to apply what I've learned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Use

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Back in the field, these colors pack a visual punch.

The New York Times

"It felt good to get back in the field again.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're not going to risk putting him back in the field," he said.

The New York Times

It won't be easy to put agents back in the field.

The New Yorker

The Times probably will not go back in the field at all before Election Day.

The New York Times

The gallery, happy to see Woods back in the field this year, responded with thunderous applause.

The New York Times - Sports

It has not been back in the field since 2009, but made this year's NIT semifinal.

The New York Times - Sports

Well back in the field, if not out of the running.

The Guardian - Sport

Other times, she has ended up far back in the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Flat Top was third, another five and a quarter lengths back in the field of seven.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

With time you can reduce the back-in-the-field time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports, ensure you're using "back in the field" correctly to refer to an athlete's return to play. For instance, "After recovering from his injury, the quarterback is finally back in the field".

Common error

While "back in the field" can apply to various situations, using it too broadly can dilute its impact. Ensure the context genuinely involves a return to a previously held position or area of expertise, rather than simply resuming any activity. Consider using "'returned to action'" or "'rejoined the team'" as alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in the field" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a return to a specific area of activity or work, often after a period of absence or a change in role. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig provides examples such as a detective returning to solving cases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back in the field" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a return to active participation in a specific area, often after an absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general conversation. It serves to inform or emphasize that someone or something has resumed its function. While generally neutral in register, overuse in metaphorical contexts should be avoided to maintain its impact. Related phrases such as "returned to action" or "rejoined the team" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returned to action

Focuses on resuming activity, especially after an absence.

reinstated in position

Emphasizes the restoration of a formal role or job.

back to work

Highlights a return to employment or labor.

rejoined the team

Indicates a return to a collaborative group or unit.

back on duty

Focuses on the resumption of assigned responsibilities.

returned to service

Implies a renewed commitment or engagement in a specific task.

back in business

Highlights the resumption of normal operational activities.

reentered the arena

Emphasizes a return to a competitive or challenging environment.

resumed operations

Indicates the continuation of activities after an interruption.

back on track

Focuses on resuming progress or forward momentum.

FAQs

How can I use "back in the field" in a sentence?

You can use "back in the field" to describe someone returning to their area of expertise or activity after a break. For example: "After months of recovery, the detective is finally back in the field solving cases."

What does "back in the field" mean in a sports context?

In sports, "back in the field" typically refers to an athlete returning to play after an injury or suspension. An example would be: "The star player is back in the field for tonight's game after recovering from a knee injury."

Are there other phrases similar to "back in the field"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "returned to action", "back to work", or "rejoined the team" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "back in the field" instead of "returning to work"?

"Back in the field" implies a return to a more hands-on, active role or a specific area of operation. Use it when someone is not just going back to employment, but to a particular practical aspect of their job. "Returning to work" is more general and could refer to any job or position.