back in the game

USAGE SUMMARY

"back in the game" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone or something has returned to being actively involved in something, for example, "After months of recovery, I'm glad to say I'm back in the game!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It put us back in the game.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama got back in the game last week.

The New York Times

He got us back in the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"You need time back in the game".

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly, expectedly, back in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are back in the game".

The New York Times - Science

England were back in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Soon he was back in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Hokies appeared back in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Japanese too are back in the game.

The Economist

"I'm happy to be back in the game.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "re-engaged" or "returned to form" in such settings.

Common error

Don't limit the phrase "back in the game" solely to sports contexts. It can apply to various situations where someone or something regains activity or relevance, such as business, politics, or personal life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in the game" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It conveys a return to active participation or competitiveness, often after a period of absence or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase. Examples from Ludwig show usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

20%

General

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back in the game" is a common and versatile idiom used to indicate a return to active participation or competitiveness after a period of absence or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, sports, and general conversations. While it maintains a neutral register, it’s essential to consider the context and potentially opt for more formal alternatives in academic or business writing. Be sure to avoid limiting its use solely to sports contexts, as it aptly applies to diverse situations where renewed activity or relevance is observed. The abundance of examples from Ludwig's database underscores its widespread usage and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back in action

Focuses on the resumption of activity or performance, emphasizing renewed engagement.

re-engaged

Highlights renewed involvement or participation in something.

returned to form

Emphasizes a return to a previous level of performance or skill.

back in the running

Indicates a renewed chance of success or contention in a competition or pursuit.

back on track

Highlights a return to the intended course or plan after a deviation.

back in the saddle

Emphasizes a return to a familiar role or activity, especially after an absence.

reinstated

Focuses on the restoration of someone or something to a previous position or condition.

back to square one

Implies restarting a process or activity from the beginning.

regained momentum

Stresses the recovery of impetus or forward progress after a pause or setback.

back on the field

Implies returning to a place of activity or competition, typically in sports.

FAQs

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

You can use "back in the game" to indicate a return to active participation or competitiveness after a period of absence. For instance, "After recovering from his injury, the athlete is finally "back in action"".

What are some alternatives to "back in the game"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "re-engaged", "returned to form", or "back in the running".

Is "back in the game" suitable for formal writing?

While widely understood, "back in the game" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What does it mean to be "back in the game"?

Being "back in the game" signifies a return to active involvement or competitiveness after a period of inactivity, absence, or setback. It implies a renewed effort to participate and succeed.