go back to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"go back to work" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts, for example if you wanted to tell someone to start doing their work again after a break, you could say: "It's nearly lunchtime, so let's go back to work for the next hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or go back to work.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have to go back to work".

The New York Times - Sports

You need to go back to work.

Independent

Go back to work,"' Ripu said.

Independent

I have to go back to work".

The New York Times

Then we all go back to work.

The New York Times

I should go back to work".

The New York Times

We'll go back to work".

The New York Times - Sports

You've got to go back to work".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They just say, 'go back to work'.

The Guardian

"Don't go back to work for The Man," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "return to work" or "resume working" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "go back to work" when the individual has never worked before. Instead, use phrases like "enter the workforce" or "start working" to describe their initial employment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go back to work" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a return to one's employment or duties. It suggests a transition from a state of rest or other activity to the performance of work. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to express a need or intention to resume working.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go back to work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a return to one's employment or job duties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable in various contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific discussions, and academic writing. While neutral in register, alternatives like "return to work" may be more suitable for formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the subject and the situation prompting the return. Common errors involve using it for first-time employment scenarios. Overall, it's a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the resumption of work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to work

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the act of going back.

start working again

A simple and direct way to express returning to work.

resume working

Focuses on the continuation of the work process.

get back to the job

More colloquial, implies a specific task or assignment.

head back to the office

Specifies the location of work.

recommence work

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way to say "go back to work".

get back on the grind

Informal, suggesting a return to a routine or demanding work.

clock back in

Focuses on the act of registering one's return to work, often in hourly jobs.

get back to business

Implies a return to normal operations or dealing with serious matters.

re-enter the workforce

Indicates rejoining the labor market after a period of absence.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "go back to work"?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "return to work" or "resume working", which are suitable for professional settings.

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

You can use "go back to work" in sentences like: "After the coffee break, it's time to go back to work", or "She plans to go back to work after her maternity leave".

Is "go back to work" appropriate in all situations?

While generally acceptable, "go back to work" is less formal. In highly professional or academic contexts, "return to work" or "resume duties" might be more appropriate.

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

"Go back to work" is a straightforward statement about returning to work. "Get back to work" often carries a sense of urgency or is used as an imperative, implying someone should stop what they're doing and return to their job.