back on form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back on form" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has returned to a state of good performance or effectiveness after a period of difficulty or underperformance. Example: "After a few weeks of struggling with his game, the athlete is finally back on form and ready to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sport

Tech

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He served notice that he was healthy again and back on form as one of the top young players in the United States.

The New York Times - Sports

She was "coherent" and "back on form" according to one observer, while Mitch Winehouse, during his eulogy, called it a great night.

The Guardian - Music

"He is good at one-on-ones and I'm delighted he's back on form".

BBC

So there you go – two decent platform games in one month and the PSP release schedule back on form.

The Guardian - Tech

IAN McEWAN is back on form.

The Economist

But it is now back on form.

The Economist

But it was soon back on form.

The New York Times - Books

But in the Joyce show he was back on form.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He doesn't stop moving for the rest of the night, his restless moves (matched by a back-on-form Rodriguez-Lopez) keeping pace with the music's hectic pelt.

The Guardian - Music

Even at 24 minutes long, I never really want this track to end … and then they go and throw in two remixes by a back-on-form Ricardo Villalobos.

The Guardian - Music

She takes over a BBC1 in good shape, following its acclaimed coverage of the London 2012 Olympics, a strong run of popular drama including Call the Midwife and Last Tango in Halifax and a back-on-form Strictly Come Dancing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back on form" to describe a return to a previous level of skill or performance after a period of decline or absence. It is suitable for various contexts, including sports, arts, and business.

Common error

Avoid using "back on form" if the person or entity hasn't fully demonstrated a sustained return to their previous level of performance. Ensure there's clear evidence of improvement before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back on form" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used after a verb like 'is', 'was', or 'seems'. It describes the state of someone or something that has returned to a previous, desirable level of performance or effectiveness. This is validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Music

12%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Tech

4%

Books

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back on form" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a return to a previous level of performance or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is generally considered neutral in register and can be used across various contexts, including news, sports, and arts. While several alternatives exist, such as ""performing well again"" or "at one's best", it's important to ensure that the subject has indeed shown sustained improvement before declaring them "back on form". Ludwig's analysis and examples provide a clear understanding of its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recovering form

A simple variation of the phrase, indicating a process of getting back to previous levels of performance.

performing well again

This alternative is a direct and simple way of saying someone is doing well after a period of poor performance.

in top shape

This phrase suggests a state of excellent physical or mental condition, implying readiness and capability.

at one's best

This indicates that someone is performing at their highest level of ability.

firing on all cylinders

This idiom suggests that everything is working perfectly and efficiently.

returning to peak performance

Highlights the action of reaching a high level after a lower period

back to their old self

This phrase emphasizes a return to a previous, more positive state of being or performance.

regaining momentum

This suggests a return to a state of progress and advancement after a setback.

rediscovering their touch

Implies a regaining of skill or ability, particularly in creative or artistic contexts.

back in the game

Indicates a return to active participation or competition after being absent or underperforming.

FAQs

How can I use "back on form" in a sentence?

You can use "back on form" to describe someone or something that has returned to a previous level of performance after a period of decline. For example, "After a long injury, the player is finally "performing well again" and is "back on form"".

What does it mean when someone is "back on form"?

When someone is "back on form", it means they have "returned to peak performance" or a previous level of skill and effectiveness after a period of underperformance or absence.

Which is correct: "back on form" or "back in form"?

"Back on form" is the correct and more common idiom to describe a return to previous levels of performance. While "back in form" might be understood, "back on form" is the standard phrasing.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "back on form"?

You can use alternatives like "at one's best", "in top shape", or ""performing well again"" to convey a similar meaning.