getting back to business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting back to business" is correct and is used in both spoken and written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to say that you are moving on or returning to the discussion of a topic or task after an interruption. For example: "Sorry for the interruption. Let's get back to business and discuss the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the political classes are busy getting back to business as usual.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the one hand, it's getting back to business.

The Washington Post

Today's long-planned meeting sends a clear message that our nations are getting back to business.

Yale University

"People are thinking about getting back to business," Mr. Weill added.

The New York Times

Officially, the White House says Mr. Bush "looks forward to getting back to business".

The New York Times

Yet as Paris grieves for the victims of the massacre, the travel industry is getting back to business as usual.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Alex Ovechkin had to get back to business.

The New York Times - Sports

PORTENT: Let's get back to business.

The New Yorker

Dunblane got back to business.

The Guardian - Sport

"We need to get back to business".

The New York Times

We got back to business as usual".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting back to business" to signal a transition from a period of inactivity or distraction to a focus on productivity and task completion. It sets a clear expectation for the resumption of normal operations.

Common error

While versatile, using "getting back to business" in very casual or personal conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "let's focus" or "back to it" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting back to business" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a return to normal operations or a resumption of tasks after an interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from the provided data illustrate its usage in various contexts, from political discussions to business operations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting back to business" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to signify a return to regular activities after an interruption. As Ludwig AI states, its function is to mark a transition to focused productivity, often in professional or formal settings. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in business and academic contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual conversations where simpler phrases may be more appropriate. For alternatives, consider "resuming operations" or "reverting to business as usual". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively employ "getting back to business" to signal a clear return to purposeful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverting to business as usual

Indicates a return to the standard way of conducting business.

getting back to work

Highlights the resumption of labor or tasks.

getting down to business

Emphasizes focusing on essential tasks and objectives.

resuming operations

Focuses on the continuation of activities, particularly in a formal context.

returning to normal operations

Emphasizes the restoration of typical business activities after a disruption.

restarting operations

Implies beginning business processes once more.

resuming duties

Implies a return to assigned responsibilities or tasks.

recommencing activities

Focuses on starting activities again, often after a pause.

picking up where we left off

Suggests a seamless continuation from a previous point.

getting back on track

Highlights the process of recovering from a setback and returning to the intended path.

FAQs

How can I use "getting back to business" in a sentence?

You can use "getting back to business" to indicate a return to regular activities after an interruption. For example, "After the holiday, it's time for "getting back to business" and focusing on our quarterly goals."

What are some alternatives to "getting back to business"?

Some alternatives include "getting back to work", "resuming operations", or "reverting to business as usual", depending on the context.

Is "getting back to business" appropriate for formal communication?

Yes, "getting back to business" is suitable for formal communication, especially in professional settings, as it clearly signals a return to productive activities.

What's the difference between "getting back to business" and "getting down to business"?

"Getting back to business" implies a return to regular activities after a break or interruption, while "getting down to business" suggests a focused and serious approach to starting or addressing tasks.