get back to normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get back to normal" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to return to the usual or expected state of things. Example: After the chaos of the storm passed, it took the town several weeks to get back to normal. Schools reopened, stores restocked their shelves, and people began to resume their daily routines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Americans want to get back to normal.

The New York Times

"But the mayor wants things to get back to normal".

The New York Times

We just have to try to get back to normal.

The Guardian

"They want things to get back to normal".

The New York Times

When they get back to normal, you'll get your roses.

The New York Times

"It'll be ten years before they get back to normal".

The New Yorker

Expect things to get back to normal against the Falcons.

The New York Times - Sports

Can their lives ever get back to normal?

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then the market will get back to normal".

Forbes

"Turkey is trying to get back to normal.

The New Yorker

Things can get back to normal.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get back to normal", ensure the context clearly defines what 'normal' entails, as this can vary significantly depending on the situation and the audience.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares the same understanding of what constitutes 'normal'. Clearly define or provide context to prevent misinterpretations, as people's perceptions of normal can change significantly after a disruptive event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get back to normal" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as an infinitive, describing the action of returning to a typical or expected state after a disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get back to normal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of returning to a typical or expected state after a disruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both informal and formal communication. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Formal & Business and Science, the phrase's communicative purpose is to express a desire or expectation to revert to a pre-existing condition. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what 'normal' entails to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to normalcy

Focuses on the state of being normal again, often after a significant event.

resume normal activities

Emphasizes the continuation of regular routines and tasks.

return to the status quo

Highlights a return to the previously existing conditions.

settle back into routine

Suggests a gradual and comfortable re-establishment of daily habits.

recover from disruption

Focuses on the act of recovering and overcoming the effects of an interruption.

restore order

Emphasizes bringing back structure and stability.

bounce back to normal

Suggests a quick and resilient recovery to a typical state.

re-establish normality

Focuses on the act of creating or reinforcing a state of normality.

things going back to normal

Implies the situation naturally resolves to the former state

achieve a state of normalcy

Focuses on the end result of getting to the usual state of things.

FAQs

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

You can use "get back to normal" to describe a return to a typical or expected state after a disruption. For example: "After the storm, the town tried to "get back to normal" as quickly as possible."

What can I say instead of "get back to normal"?

You can use alternatives like "return to normalcy", "resume normal activities", or "return to the status quo" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "get back to normal" or "getting back to normal"?

Both "get back to normal" and "getting back to normal" are correct, but they function differently in a sentence. "Get back to normal" is an infinitive phrase, while "getting back to normal" is a gerund phrase. For example: "We need to "get back to normal"" versus "Getting back to normal is our priority".

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

"Get back to normal" and "return to normal" are very similar in meaning. "Get back to normal" is slightly more informal and suggests a process of returning, while "return to normal" is a bit more formal and can imply a more complete return.