back to study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to study" is not entirely correct in standard written English; it would be more appropriate to say "back to studying." You can use it when referring to returning to the act of studying after a break or distraction.
Example: "After a long weekend, it's time to get back to studying for my exams."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will they ever go back to study?

The Guardian - Music

Any plans for going back to study?

The Guardian - Music

I stepped back to study my work.

The New York Times - Style

Then he turns back to study those charts some more and stew.

The Guardian - Film

I want to go back to study and look for work.

The New Yorker

Some travel four hours on overloaded busses every day to Delhi and back to study or work.

The Guardian

But in reality, I was 27, single, and had just left my job to go back to study.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In America, he says, workers are more likely to go back to study or stay at home.

The Economist

Hilary Whorrall, careers adviser at the University of Sheffield, says graduates need to make sure they understand why they're going back to study.

The Guardian

By this time, Humphrey was a pupil at the city's Dragon school, and he went on to Marlborough school before going back to study English at Keble.

The Guardian

In another appealing series, however, she steps back to study the jazzy interplay of colors and shapes in a field of wildflowers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "back to study" is commonly used, consider using "back to studying" for improved grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing. Both are acceptable, but "back to studying" aligns more closely with standard English grammar.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "back to study" is universally correct. While widely used, it's often perceived as less grammatically precise than "back to studying". Choose the latter in formal contexts or when aiming for impeccable grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to study" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a return to the activity of studying. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from resuming formal education to returning to focused learning after a break.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "back to study" is commonly used to indicate a return to academic pursuits, Ludwig AI and grammatical conventions suggest that "back to studying" is the more grammatically sound option. The high frequency of "back to study" across various sources, including news, science, and general media, indicates its acceptability in many contexts. However, for formal writing, "return to studying" or "resume studying" are preferable. As Ludwig’s examples show, context is key, and understanding the subtle differences can improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to studying

This alternative replaces "back to study" with a more grammatically standard form, emphasizing the action of studying.

resume studying

This phrase highlights the continuation of studying after an interruption.

go back to school

This alternative is more specific, referring to returning to a formal educational institution.

re-enroll in classes

Focuses on the act of signing up for courses again.

restart education

Highlights the resumption of one's education.

recommence learning

A more formal way to express returning to the process of learning.

re-engage in academic work

Emphasizes the active involvement in scholarly activities.

revisit academic pursuits

Highlights the renewed focus on academic interests and goals.

re-enter academia

Focuses on the return to the academic environment.

continue education

Implies an uninterrupted continuation of education, but can be used after a short break.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "back to study"?

While commonly used, "back to study" is often considered less grammatically standard than "back to studying". Ludwig AI identifies "back to studying" as the preferred form, but both are prevalent. Context and desired formality should guide your choice.

What's a more formal alternative to "back to study"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "return to studying" or "resume studying". These options offer greater grammatical precision and are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

How can I use "back to study" in a sentence?

You can use "back to study" to indicate a return to academic pursuits after a break. For example: "After the holidays, it's time to get back to study." Remember that "back to studying" might be a better choice grammatically.

What is the difference between "back to study" and ""back to studying""?

The primary difference is grammatical correctness. "Back to studying" uses the gerund form of the verb "study", making it grammatically standard. While "back to study" is common, it may be perceived as slightly less formal or precise.