come back in force

USAGE SUMMARY

'come back in force' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone or something returns with full force or in large numbers. For example: "The protesters came back in force, determined to stand up for their cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Now the man he forced out has come back in force -- with three buses of guards.

The New York Times

The cycle won't end until buyers come back in force, but buyers can't come back because they can't borrow.

The Economist

Saks drew suitors because it continues to benefit from luxury shoppers who, after closing their wallets during the recession, have come back in force since.

The New York Times

It touches on "the longstanding, deep-seated hostility of Americans to the public sector, which has come back in force since the 1980s", Fraser says.

The Guardian - Arts

"Prices will have to drop again in most markets before buyers come back in force," Mr. Kelman said, "and so sales volume will probably be in the tank at least until next spring".

The New York Times

Even deer hunting with old-fashioned muzzleloaded rifles, which have to be loaded with gunpowder, a musket ball and a ramrod, has come back in force in some states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The arcade classics are coming back in force, and one of the big daddies of them all is certainly the Metal Slug series.

TechCrunch

As shipping companies and authorities grew complacent, however, piracy gangs in the region came back in force, prompting prevention efforts to kick back in gear.

Vice

Then ISIS came back in force, they would have dug in but ISIS has such significant numbers they were unable to resist and they had to pull out of the village themselves and in the brutality of the fighting they were killed".

Vice

Probably they will never come back in full force, but they show on a daily basis that they are still a force to be to be feared.

Independent

Launched in 1963 as a yearly event, the Ice Festival was forced to take a hiatus during China's infamous Cultural Revolution, only to come back in full force in 1985.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come back in force" when you want to emphasize the intensity or impact of a return. It's suitable for describing situations where someone or something returns with renewed power or in large numbers.

Common error

Avoid using "come back in force" in contexts where it might imply aggression or violence. The phrase should denote renewed strength or numbers, not necessarily hostile intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come back in force" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, often serving as a verbal phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action (returning) is performed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a return with significant power or in large numbers.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come back in force" is a grammatically correct and understandable idiomatic phrase that signifies a return with significant power or in large numbers. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Though its frequency is uncommon, this expression is predominantly found in news and media contexts. When using "come back in force", it's crucial to consider the intensity of the return and avoid implying aggression. Alternatives include "return with renewed vigor" or "reemerge powerfully", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return with renewed vigor

Focuses on the energy and enthusiasm of the return.

reemerge powerfully

Highlights the strength and impact of reappearing.

make a strong resurgence

Highlights the comeback as a significant and noticeable event.

rally with great strength

Emphasizes the act of gathering strength for a comeback.

resurface with intensity

Focuses on the high level of intensity accompanying the return.

reappear with full intensity

Focuses on reappearing with maximum intensity.

rebound with considerable power

Emphasizes recovery and the amount of power used.

recover emphatically

Highlights a clear and forceful recovery.

return in great numbers

Stresses the quantity or volume of those returning.

regain influence significantly

Emphasizes that it is the level of influence that's regained.

FAQs

How can I use "come back in force" in a sentence?

You can use "come back in force" to describe a situation where someone or something returns with significant power or in large numbers. For example, "After a period of decline, the company plans to "come back in force" with a new marketing strategy".

What does "come back in force" mean?

The phrase "come back in force" means to return with significant power, intensity, or numbers after a period of absence or weakness. It suggests a strong and impactful return.

What are some alternatives to "come back in force"?

Some alternatives to "come back in force" include "return with renewed vigor", "make a strong resurgence", or "reemerge powerfully".

Is it appropriate to use "come back in force" in formal writing?

Yes, "come back in force" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news and business contexts, to describe a significant return or resurgence. However, consider the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.