go back to normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'go back to normal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that had previously been unordinary, but is now returning to its ordinary state. For example: "After the building was repaired, life started to go back to normal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It'll all go back to normal.

The New York Times

Then things will go back to normal.

The New Yorker

"Things will never go back to normal".

The New York Times

Finally, everything can go back to normal.

The Guardian

The border will go back to normal".

The New York Times

"Life has to go back to normal.

The Guardian

Soon Parisians' lives will go back to normal.

The Guardian

I just wish things could go back to normal.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm hoping that things they will go back to normal.

The New York Times

Now the rates will go back to normal.

The New Yorker

"Once it's fixed, we go back to normal".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go back to normal" when you want to convey a return to a familiar, expected state after a disruption or change. It's particularly useful when discussing recovery from illness, economic downturns, or social unrest.

Common error

Avoid using "go back to normal" without considering that 'normal' can be subjective and vary based on individual or cultural perspectives. Be mindful that what constitutes 'normal' for one person or group may not be the same for another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back to normal" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a return to a previous state or condition. It describes the action of reverting to what is considered typical or ordinary, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go back to normal" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes a return to a previous, ordinary state after a period of disruption or change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While seemingly straightforward, the concept of 'normal' can be subjective, making it important to use the phrase mindfully. Consider alternatives like "return to normal" or "resume normalcy" for slight variations in meaning. Remember that striving for a 'new normal' might be more appropriate when the previous state wasn't ideal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to normal

Focuses on the act of returning, emphasizing the movement back to a normal state.

revert to normal

Implies a return to a previous state, often after a temporary deviation or disruption.

get back to normal

Suggests a process or effort involved in returning to a normal condition.

resume normalcy

Emphasizes the resumption of a state of normalcy, often after a period of crisis or disruption.

return to the status quo

Highlights a return to the existing state of affairs before a change or disruption.

settle back into routine

Indicates a return to regular habits or practices.

things get back to how they were

Describes a return to a previous condition, emphasizing the state of affairs.

life returns to its usual pace

Highlights a return to a regular rhythm or tempo of life.

restore equilibrium

Focuses on re-establishing a state of balance or stability.

fall back into old habits

Suggests a return to ingrained behaviors or practices, often without conscious effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "go back to normal" to describe a return to a typical or expected state after a period of disruption. For instance, "After the pandemic, we hope things will "go back to normal" soon."

What are some alternatives to "go back to normal"?

Alternatives include "return to normal", "revert to normal", or "resume normalcy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always desirable to "go back to normal"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "normal" wasn't ideal to begin with. In those cases, it might be better to strive for a 'new normal' that addresses previous shortcomings or inequalities. The New York Times even has this quote "I refrain from saying things go back to normal, because obviously normal wasn't good enough".

What's the difference between "go back to normal" and "return to the status quo"?

"Go back to normal" generally refers to a return to a typical or expected state, while "return to the status quo" specifically implies reverting to the existing state of affairs before a change or disruption. The status quo may or may not be considered 'normal' in a broader sense.