back to the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to redirect the conversation or discussion to the main topic or concern after a digression. Example: "Now that we've discussed the background, let's get back to the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But back to the issue of toilets.

The New York Times

Which brings us back to the issue of charter schools.

The New York Times

Which brings us back to the issue of intimidation.

The New York Times

Progressives will come back to the issue, he says.

The Guardian

This brings us back to the issue of urbanisation.

The Guardian

But back to the issue of corporate democracy.

The New York Times

"We go back to the issue of gender bias.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have to go back to the issue of women in American prisons.

The New York Times - Books

When Mr Obama came back to the issue recently the Clinton crowd jumped all over him.

The Economist

He's going to "come back" to the issue; see what can be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everything comes back to the issue of poverty," Ms. A-Baki said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back to the issue", briefly summarize the preceding digression to provide context for the return and maintain coherence for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "back to the issue" excessively in a short span, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and disrupt the flow. Instead, vary your transitions with alternatives like "returning to the topic" or "revisiting the matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to the issue" functions as a transitional phrase, guiding the audience back to the central topic of discussion after a digression. It serves to refocus attention and maintain coherence in communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back to the issue" is a grammatically sound and very common transitional phrase used to steer discussions or writing back to the main subject after a deviation. Predominantly found in news and media, with some presence in scientific and formal business contexts, it serves to refocus attention and maintain coherence. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. When employing this phrase, ensure it's used judiciously to avoid repetition, and consider alternatives like "returning to the topic" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning to the topic

This alternative provides a more direct and simple way to express the act of going back to the main subject.

revisiting the matter

Using "matter" instead of "issue" offers a slightly more formal tone, while maintaining the core meaning.

getting back on track

This phrase is more idiomatic and emphasizes a return to the original line of thought or discussion.

returning to the point

This alternative focuses specifically on the central argument or idea being discussed.

focusing back on the subject

This option highlights the act of concentrating attention once again on the core subject matter.

to return to the matter at hand

Adds formality and emphasis by specifying the 'matter at hand'.

let's get back to what's important

Shifts the focus to the significance of the issue, suggesting a refocus on key priorities.

reverting to the original subject

Offers a more formal and technical way to describe the return to the initial topic.

picking up where we left off

Implies a resumption of discussion from a specific point, rather than a general return to the topic.

circling back to the original focus

This provides a more metaphorical way of describing the return to the central theme.

FAQs

How can I use "back to the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "back to the issue" to redirect a conversation or writing to the main subject. For example: "Now that we've addressed the side concerns, let's get "back to the issue" of funding."

What phrases are similar to "back to the issue"?

Similar phrases include "returning to the topic", "revisiting the matter", or "getting back on track". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "back to the issue" formal or informal?

"Back to the issue" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist if a heightened level of formality is desired.

When is it appropriate to use "back to the issue"?

It's appropriate to use "back to the issue" when you want to refocus attention on the primary topic after a tangent or digression. It signals a return to the central subject of discussion.