it is a return to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a return to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or context where something is reverting back to a previous state or condition. Example: "After years of innovation, it is a return to traditional methods that many are now advocating for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The third movement is characterized by many arpeggiated passages, and, as its name indicates, it is a return to the vibrant, energetic mood of the first movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"After all, some of the most successful British films started out as TV movies, and at the very beginning Channel 4's drama department was very closely connected with its film department, so in that sense it is a return to its roots".

The Guardian

It is a return to the past.

The New York Times

It is a return to a dark period.

The New York Times

It is a return to the Ice Age — no warmth, no life, no movement.

The New York Times

This isn't a European film; it is a return to a very American source".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even at its most sensationalistic, it's a return to straightforward documentary storytelling.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a return to its roots for the eight-mile stretch of highway that connects Pasadena with downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times

Yes, recovery is difficult, but that's because it's a return to reality, in all its beautiful complexity.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a return to his roots.

The Guardian

It's a return to the cityscape tradition".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is a return to", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being returned to. The phrase works best when the previous state is well-understood by the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a return to" without clearly specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is unambiguous to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a return to" functions as a predicative expression, linking a subject to a state of reverting back. Ludwig AI indicates this usage as correct and widely applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a return to" serves as a versatile linguistic tool to denote a reversion to a previous state, condition, or practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Found most frequently in "News & Media", it effectively communicates shifts in various contexts, from artistic styles to policy changes. Alternatives like "a reversion to" or "a throwback to" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the antecedent and the state being returned to are clearly defined for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reversion to

Uses "reversion" which focuses on the action of returning, instead of the state.

a comeback to

Emphasizes a renewed popularity or success.

a shift back to

Highlights the change in direction.

a throwback to

Implies something reminiscent of the past.

a renewal of

Suggests a revitalized or refreshed return.

a recurrence of

Focuses on the repeated occurrence of an event or condition.

a going back to

More informal and directly indicates a return.

a harking back to

Implies a nostalgic return or reference to something from the past.

a regression to

Often used when the return is to a less developed state.

an echo of

Suggests a resemblance or recurrence of something from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a return to" in a sentence?

Use "it is a return to" to indicate a shift back to a previous state, practice, or style. For example, "The new policy "it is a return to" the company's original values".

What are some alternatives to "it is a return to"?

You can use alternatives such as "a reversion to", "a comeback to", or "a throwback to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is a return back to"?

Saying "it is a return back to" is redundant because "return" already implies going back. The correct phrasing is ""it is a return to"".

What's the difference between "it is a return to" and "it marks a return to"?

"It is a return to" simply states that something is reverting to a previous state. "It marks a return to" emphasizes that the event or change signifies or highlights this return.