circle back to

USAGE SUMMARY

"circle back to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean that you plan to revisit a topic or idea at some point in the future. For example, you could say "Let's circle back to this later in the meeting to make sure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Or circle back to me.

The New York Times

Let's circle back to that.

The New Yorker

Finally, circle back to the main article.

The New York Times

Let's circle back to his Mets loyalty.

The New York Times

It brings us full circle, back to Dalí's automatist outburst.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually we circle back to the idea of the economy.

The New York Times

Nowadays, though, conversations tend to circle back to the past.

The New Yorker

Also, most circle back to the spiritual or otherworldly.

The New York Times

Let's circle back to Coffee's second-cup initiative.

The New Yorker

Often these debates circle back to the White House race.

The New York Times

The rings, though, all circle back to James in Cleveland.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circle back to" when you want to indicate that you will return to a topic later in a conversation or discussion, ensuring all points are addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "circle back to" excessively, especially in formal writing. While useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Opt for synonyms like "revisit", "return to", or more specific phrasing to maintain clarity and interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circle back to" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of returning to a previously discussed topic or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its role in structuring conversations and projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circle back to" is a very common and correct phrasal verb used to indicate a plan to revisit a topic or task later. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound phrase widely used across various contexts. It's especially prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While useful, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "return to" or "revisit" in formal communication. Remember, effective communication lies in varied language and context-appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get back to

Highlights the intention to address something at a later point.

come back to

Similar to "return to", but with a slightly less formal tone.

return to

Emphasizes the action of going back to a subject or idea.

pick up again

Indicates a continuation of a discussion or task from where it was left off.

revisit

A single word that encapsulates the act of going back to a topic. Shorter and easier to understand.

revisit later

Focuses on the act of returning to a topic at a later time.

touch base on

Focuses on briefly revisiting a topic for updates or clarification.

readdress

Implies a more formal and direct approach to revisiting a subject.

re-examine

Highlights the act of looking at something more closely again.

reconsider

Suggests a need to think about something again, possibly with new information.

FAQs

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

You can use "circle back to" to indicate a plan to revisit a topic. For example, "Let's discuss the budget now, and "circle back to" the marketing strategy later."

What are some alternatives to saying "circle back to"?

Instead of "circle back to", you can use phrases like "return to", "revisit later", or "get back to" depending on the context.

Is "circle back to" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, "circle back to" can sound informal. In formal settings, consider using phrases like "revisit", "return to", or "readdress" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "circle back to" actually mean?

"Circle back to" means to return to a topic or issue at a later time. It's often used to postpone detailed discussion until after other matters have been addressed.