going back to normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going back to normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a return to a previous state or condition after a disruption or change. Example: "After the pandemic, many people are eager to see life going back to normal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"This is going back to normal".

The New York Times

It's not going back to normal no time soon".

The Guardian

But where ageing is endemic, there may be no going back to normal.

The Economist

Some argue that what is happening is even worse than going back to normal.

The Guardian - Business

Police officers and soldiers drove through the streets after sunrise, announcing through loudspeakers that life was going "back to normal".

The New York Times

"I personally feel that going back to normal life and being a normal kid keeps you grounded.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Life went back to normal.

The New Yorker

Then they went back to normal life.

The New York Times

They've gone back to normal.

The New York Times

"So I went back to normal".

The New York Times - Sports

It'll all go back to normal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "going back to normal", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the 'normal' state is, especially if it might be ambiguous to the reader. Be explicit about the previous condition you are referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "going back to normal" without defining what 'normal' means in your specific context. Readers may not share your understanding, leading to confusion. Instead, clearly state the prior state you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going back to normal" functions as a descriptor of a process or state change, specifically indicating a return to a previously established condition. Ludwig AI validates this usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going back to normal" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a return to a previously established state. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a variety of sources, confirms its widespread use across news, business, and general contexts. When using the phrase, consider the audience's understanding of "normal" and provide necessary context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "returning to normalcy" or "resuming the usual" can offer slightly different nuances, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning to normalcy

Focuses on the state of being normal, rather than the action of returning.

resuming the usual

Emphasizes the continuation of regular activities or routines.

getting back on track

Implies a recovery from a setback or deviation from the norm.

restoring normal conditions

Highlights the act of bringing back a state of normalcy after disruption.

reverting to the old ways

Indicates a return to previous habits or practices, possibly after a change.

settling back into routine

Stresses the establishment of a regular pattern of activities.

things returning to normal

Places emphasis on the situation and it's change to normality.

life getting back to normal

Focuses specifically on life events returning to their typical state.

everything back to how it was

Highlights the completeness of the return to a previous state.

back to the status quo

Uses a more formal term to describe a return to the existing state of affairs.

FAQs

What does "going back to normal" mean?

The phrase "going back to normal" generally refers to returning to a previous state or condition after a period of disruption, change, or abnormality.

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

You can use "going back to normal" to describe a return to routine or expected conditions. For example, "After the holidays, it's time for life to "go back to normal"."

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

Alternatives include "returning to normalcy", "resuming the usual", or "getting back on track", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "normal" wasn't ideal, and changes might be needed. The phrase can imply a desire for stability or the status quo, which may not always be the best outcome.