back in the foreground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back in the foreground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has returned to a position of prominence or importance after being less visible or significant. Example: "After several years of being overshadowed by newer technologies, traditional methods are back in the foreground of our discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

News of the Götze acquisition quickly changed the conversation, turning the top three trending topics on Twitter here to "#Götze," "Mario Götze" and "Götze to Bayern," and the team's dominance, not its president's legal troubles, were back in the foreground.

The New York Times

These two songs hint at the Oasis aesthetic minus the tendency to sentimentality, and with their old menace back in the foreground, which could chime with such a grim, uncertain period; at the same time, the promise is of by-the-book abandon and dumb thrills, which might make people feel that bit better.

The Guardian - Opinion

His system entailed photographing a crime scene using a wide-angle lens and tripod, as in a picture of an early twentieth-century bourgeois Parisian dining room, perfectly in order save for the body of a stout old woman lying on her back in the foreground, her clothing camouflaged against the dark wood floor.

The New Yorker

This report put WHO back in the foreground as a prime mover for health systems.

BMC Public Health

The publication of the World Health Report 2000 put WHO back in the foreground as a prime mover for health systems, with frameworks and strategies and reports on specific aspects.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This research issue has come back into the foreground with the thrust of advanced techniques in telecommunications and new multimedia exchange tools in the production industries.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

I tried to pretend I was gawking at all the objects and symbols that have made Times Square so legendary, but instinctively my eyes kept snapping back down to the throngs of people zooming back and forth in the foreground.

The New York Times

Soon these three became a synchronized backing group while in the foreground a lead female couple moved, one supporting her partner, who was wearing one of those tourist Liberty foam crowns.

The New York Times - Arts

Tap the app to bring that app back to the foreground.

WikiHow

Because of conflicts in his schedule he did not have much of a chance to look over the back end of a mule, but Hank made some excellent videotapes with the back end of a mule in the foreground.

The New Yorker

Snap, snap — two seconds — and three minutes later Harman took a similar shot, but from a few steps back, so that Frederick appears in the foreground at the edge of the frame, studying on the display screen of his camera the picture he's just taken.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back in the foreground" when you want to emphasize that something has regained prominence or importance after a period of being less noticeable or relevant. It's particularly effective when contrasting the current state with a previous one where it was less significant.

Common error

Avoid using "back in the foreground" when simply stating something is currently important without needing to emphasize a return. Using a simpler phrase like "in focus" or "a priority" can be more concise and direct when there's no contrast with a previous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in the foreground" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a return to prominence or importance. Ludwig examples show it describing how a topic or entity has regained a leading position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back in the foreground" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that has returned to a position of prominence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears mostly in news and media, and scientific contexts. It is a versatile phrase suitable for emphasizing a shift in focus or priority. When writing, it's beneficial to ensure that the context truly requires emphasizing a return to prominence, rather than simply indicating current importance. If so, simpler alternatives may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back in the forefront

Similar to being in the foreground, implying importance and visibility.

returned to prominence

Focuses on the act of returning to a leading position.

reassumed importance

Emphasizes the restoration of significance.

came to the forefront again

Highlights the re-emergence to a position of leadership or visibility.

back in the limelight

Suggests a return to public attention and fame.

resurfaced as a priority

Focuses on the renewed prioritization of a specific topic.

gained renewed attention

Emphasizes a fresh wave of focus and interest.

re-entered the spotlight

Similar to being back in the limelight, highlighting public visibility.

back in focus

Implies returning to a state of clarity and importance.

rose to prominence once more

Highlights the renewed rise to a leading position.

FAQs

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

You can use "back in the foreground" to indicate that something has returned to a position of prominence or importance. For example: "After years of neglect, environmental issues are "back in the foreground"."

What phrases are similar to "back in the foreground"?

Similar phrases include "returned to prominence", "reassumed importance", or "came to the forefront again". These alternatives also convey a return to a leading position.

Is it appropriate to use "back in the foreground" in formal writing?

Yes, "back in the foreground" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize that something has regained importance after a period of being less visible. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "back in the foreground" and "in the spotlight"?

"Back in the foreground" suggests a return to general prominence or importance, while "back in the spotlight" specifically indicates a return to public attention or fame. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing general importance or public visibility.