is back at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is back at work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has returned to their job or duties after a period of absence. Example: "After a long vacation, she is back at work and ready to tackle new projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Salim is back at work now.

The New Yorker

Mark is back at work.

The Guardian

Tyree Scott is back at work.

The New York Times

Now everyone is back at work.

The New York Times

She is back at work now, trying to save, still living check to check.

The New York Times

But these complications are gradually lessening, and he is back at work in Dr. Ley's lab.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Helen Thomas is back at work--this time, with a column in a weekly Virginia newspaper.

Huffington Post

"We are delighted the drivers are back at work and are confident we can maintain a constructive working relationship".

BBC

"I'm back at work.

The New York Times

Cindy was back at work.

The New Yorker

She was back at work within days.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is back at work" when you want to emphasize a return to work after a known absence due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. For example, "After recovering from surgery, she is back at work."

Common error

Avoid using "is back at work" when someone is starting a new job for the first time. Use phrases like "is starting work" or "has joined the company" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is back at work" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the resumption of employment or duties after a period of absence. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is back at work" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone has returned to their job after a period of absence. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in academic settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "has returned to work" in highly formal situations. Avoid using this phrase when referring to someone starting a new job for the first time; instead, use "is starting work". With its widespread use and clear meaning, "is back at work" remains a valuable phrase for expressing a return to professional duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has returned to work

Formal alternative with emphasis on the action of returning.

is back on the job

Informal alternative emphasizing a return to a specific job.

is working again

Focuses on the resumption of work without specifying a previous absence.

is re-employed

Specifies being employed again after a period of unemployment.

has resumed duties

Formal alternative highlighting the continuation of responsibilities.

is back in action

Informal alternative suggesting a return to active participation.

is actively employed

Stresses current and ongoing employment status.

is now employed

Focuses on the current state of being employed.

is engaged in work

Highlights the engagement in work activities.

is operational again

Technical alternative, especially for systems or teams.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "is back at work"?

It means that the person has returned to their job or professional duties after a period of absence, such as a vacation, illness, or leave.

What can I say instead of "is back at work"?

You can use alternatives like "has returned to work", "is working again", or "is back on the job" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is back at work" in formal writing?

Yes, "is back at work" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially in news reports or professional communications. However, consider more formal alternatives like "has resumed duties" for highly formal contexts.

How is "is back at work" different from "is starting work"?

"Is back at work" implies a return to a previous job, while "is starting work" indicates beginning a new job or entering the workforce for the first time.