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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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back on the library

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back on the library" is not correct in English.
It seems to be an incorrect formulation, possibly intended to convey a return to the library or being back at the library. Example: "After a long break, I am finally back at the library to continue my research."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No records remain of the original borrower and it is not clear how much the book is worth, although its condition means it will not be able to go back on the library shelves.

News & Media

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are protesting against development plans for a 235-bedroom hotel, restaurant, bar and retail space that will take over a site at the back of the library, on the Old Town's lower level street, the Cowgate.

News & Media

The Guardian

He mailed the overdue materials back to the library and sued Unique on the grounds that the company's license to act as a debt collector in New York City had lapsed.

News & Media

The New York Times

I carried my books back to the library: discharged.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Ms. McMasters will be back at the library on Sept. 28 for a reading.

News & Media

The New York Times

Her history certifies her as genuinely scandalous, rather than merely naughty, and brings a measure of real-life messiness to pages otherwise devoted to pneumatic, girl-next-door types who seemed to have accidentally shed their clothing on the way back from the library or from doing chores on the farm.

News & Media

The New York Times

On Friday afternoon, back in the library, Vidra, Hughes, and the remaining editors scrambled to save the issue.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Walk back past the library and east on Main Street to check out Raven Used Books (4 Old South Street; 413-584-9868; www.ravenustoreoks.com), a store with a wide range of topics, and Northampton's Pride & Joy (20 Crafts Avenue; 413-585-0683; www.nohoprideandjoy.com), a gay and lesbian bookstore.

On Monday I'd be back at the library, another five books in my arms.

"Get back on the subway, go to the library.

News & Media

The New York Times

One afternoon, I came back from the library with "Ulysses".

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a return to the library, use "back at the library" or "back to the library" for clarity. For example, "I'm glad to be back at the library after my vacation".

Common error

Avoid using "on" when referring to returning to or being present at the library. "On" typically indicates location on a surface, which is not the intended meaning in this context.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

79%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back on the library" functions as a prepositional phrase, but it's grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that this is an incorrect formulation. Correct alternatives include "back at the library" or "back to the library."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back on the library" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's best to use alternatives like "back at the library" or "back to the library" to accurately convey your intended meaning. These alternatives are grammatically sound and more commonly used, ensuring clarity in communication. Although there are a few examples from News & Media, Wiki, and Science the phrase is considered incorrect, so using alternative and accurate phrases is recommended.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound way to say "back on the library"?

Consider using phrases like "back at the library" or "back to the library" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "back of the library"?

Use "back of the library" to refer to the rear part of the building, such as "The entrance is located at the "back of the library"".

Is "back on the library" ever correct?

The phrase "back on the library" is generally not considered grammatically correct. It is better to use "back at the library" or "back to the library" instead.

How does "back at the library" differ from "back to the library"?

"Back at the library" usually refers to being present there, while "back to the library" indicates a return or movement towards the library.

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Source & Trust

79%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: