get back to

USAGE SUMMARY

'get back to' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are referring to continuing something that was previously interrupted. For example: "I apologize for the delay, let's get back to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Online Dating

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get back to work".

The New York Times - Arts

Let's get back to basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

Get back to online dating.

The New York Times

Let's get back to baseball.

The New York Times

Let's get back to me.

The New Yorker

I'll get back to you".

The New York Times - Arts

We'll get back to you.

The New York Times - Books

We'll get back to work".

The New York Times - Sports

"And get back to work".

The New Yorker

We got to get back to it".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's get back to your book.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get back to" when you want to indicate a return to an activity, topic, or location after an interruption. For example: "Let's get back to the original plan".

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what you are "getting back to". Avoid using it in situations where the reference point is ambiguous or undefined.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "get back to" functions primarily as a directive, instructing or indicating a return to a previous state, activity, or communication. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

11%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get back to" is a very common phrasal verb used to signal a return or resumption of an activity, topic, or communication. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "return to" or "resume" in certain situations. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, making it a practical addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to

Focuses on the act of going back, omitting the 'get' which emphasizes the process or action of returning.

go back to

A more direct and simple form of returning, suitable for informal contexts.

come back to

Similar to "get back to" but emphasizes the act of returning, often implying a cyclical nature.

resume

Implies a formal continuation, removing the need to specify direction or movement.

revert to

Suggests a return to a previous state, habit, or practice, indicating a change back rather than simple continuation.

pick up where you left off

Suggests resuming an activity from the exact point of interruption, emphasizing continuity.

return to the subject of

Specifically indicates returning to a topic in discussion, making it suitable for formal or academic contexts.

revisit

Implies going back to something for further consideration or analysis.

get around to

Implies that the action has been pending and is now being addressed, focusing on finding the time or opportunity.

respond to

Emphasizes the act of replying or reacting, focusing on communication rather than physical return.

FAQs

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

You can use "get back to" to indicate a return to an activity, topic, or communication. For example, "I need to "get back to work"" or "I'll "get back to you" with the details".

What does "get back to" mean?

"Get back to" means to return to something, either physically (like a place) or figuratively (like a task, topic, or conversation). It often implies a resumption after an interruption.

Is it appropriate to use "get back to" in formal writing?

While "get back to" is widely understood, it can sound informal in some contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "return to" or "resume" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "get back to" and "come back to"?

While similar, "get back to" often implies a more immediate return or resumption, whereas "come back to" can suggest a return at a later time or after a longer absence. For instance, "Let's "get back to" the meeting" suggests resuming now, while "I'll come back to this issue later" implies addressing it in the future.