go back to this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go back to this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous point or topic that you want to revisit or emphasize. Example: "Before we move on, let's go back to this important detail we discussed earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

People ask me why I go back to this.

The New York Times

MS. RADDATZ: Let me go back to this.

The New York Times

What compelled you to go back to this episode?

The New York Times

"People will go back to this story," he mused.

The New York Times

"Everyone wants him to go back to this.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't go back to this chap for some time," he said.

The New Yorker

TRAUB: Can we go back to this question of democratic oversight and democratic consent?

The New York Times

[23] It may all go back to this question of what makes us unique?

The New York Times

I think I'd go back to this morning and reminisce about breakfast.

The New Yorker

"I thought, 'I can't go back to this world,' " Mr. Theisen said.

The New York Times - Arts

So why go back to this silly insult, even a week later?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go back to this" to signal a deliberate return to a previously discussed topic, ensuring clarity and continuity in your writing or conversation. It's especially useful when complex subjects require multiple passes for full comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "go back to this" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem repetitive or disorganized. Strive for a natural flow that integrates previous points without excessive explicit referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back to this" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a return to a previously mentioned topic or idea. Ludwig examples confirm its use in redirecting attention to earlier points. It often serves to reinforce or elaborate on something already introduced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go back to this" is a very common and grammatically sound construction used to explicitly signal a return to a previously discussed topic. According to Ludwig, it serves the primary function of ensuring clarity and continuity in discourse. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, with a particularly high frequency in news and media. While extremely common, avoid overuse and consider more sophisticated alternatives like "revisit this" for formal writing. It is a great way to make sure that your point comes across effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revisit this

Implies a more formal or deliberate return to a subject.

return to this

Suggests a more structured or planned return.

come back to this

Similar meaning, but slightly more casual.

reconsider this

Emphasizes a need to think about it again, with implied revision.

refer back to this

Focuses on citing or mentioning something previously stated.

get back to this

Suggests a return after an interruption.

circle back to this

Emphasizes a return as part of a larger discussion or plan.

pick up where we left off

Indicates resuming from a previous stopping point, more conversational.

revert to this

Implies returning to a previous state, often due to a change or decision.

resume this

Indicates a continuation after a pause.

FAQs

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

You can use "go back to this" to indicate a return to a previous topic. For example, "Let's "go back to this" point later in the discussion".

What are some alternatives to saying "go back to this"?

You can use alternatives such as "revisit this", "return to this", or "refer back to this" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "go back to this" in formal writing?

While "go back to this" is generally acceptable, in very formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "revisit this" to maintain a professional tone.

How does "go back to this" differ from "refer back to this"?

"Go back to this" implies a more general return to a topic, while "refer back to this" specifically suggests citing or mentioning something previously mentioned.