loop back

USAGE SUMMARY

"loop back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something returning to its original state or repeating the same process. For example: "Once the PowerPoint slides were finished, we decided to loop back and review the project plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Let's loop back.

The Guardian

The centers loop back, the ends step forward.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You can then loop back via the Taconic State Parkway.

The Guardian - Travel

For now, let's loop back to Part III.

The New Yorker

But let's loop back to the first question.

The Washington Post

Second it allows loop back of the light.

Optical Fiber Technology

Next, it will loop back underground and through the cycle again.

University of California, Berkeley

But let's loop back to some work you did earlier in this mode.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Intelligent usage of the Loop-back Buffer is actually out of concern.

Optical Switching and Networking

It is helpful to describe this fit management and fit dynamics as a loop-back system.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Test the loop-back address.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loop back" when you want to emphasize a return to a previous stage or topic in a discussion, process, or system. It often implies a cyclical or iterative nature.

Common error

Avoid using "loop back again" as it is redundant. The phrase "loop back" already implies a return.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "loop back" functions as a directional verb, indicating a return to a previous point, state, or topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, such as returning to a previous part of a discussion or retracing a physical path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "loop back" is a versatile expression used to denote a return to a prior state, topic, or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in a wide array of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. The phrase implies a cyclical nature or a revisiting of something previously addressed. While generally neutral, it is important to avoid redundancy by not saying "loop back again". For more formal settings, alternatives like "revert" or ""return to"" may be more appropriate. Understanding its function and purpose ensures its effective use in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back to

A simple and direct way of expressing a return to a previous point or subject.

circle back

Similar to "loop back", but suggests a more deliberate or planned return.

revisit

Suggests a deliberate return to a topic or place for further consideration.

double back

Suggests retracing one's steps or reversing direction, often unexpectedly.

return to

Emphasizes the act of coming back to a specific location, topic, or condition.

refer back

Implies a return to a previous reference or source of information.

revert to

Indicates a return to a previous state or subject, focusing on the action of going back.

trace back

Suggests following a path back to its origin or starting point.

come full circle

Describes a situation that has returned to its beginning, often after a significant journey or process.

fall back on

Implies using something as a backup or alternative when other options are not available.

FAQs

How can I use "loop back" in a sentence?

You can use "loop back" to indicate a return to a previous point or step in a process. For example, "Let's "go back to" the original question" or "The system will "return to" the main menu after 5 minutes of inactivity."

What does "loop back" mean in technical contexts?

In technical contexts, "loop back" often refers to a signal or data path that returns to its source. For example, a "cycle back" address is used for testing network connections by sending data to itself.

Are there formal alternatives to "loop back"?

While "loop back" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include "revert", "recapitulate", or ""return to"", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "circle back" and "loop back"?

"Circle back" and "loop back" are often used interchangeably, but "circle back" may imply a more intentional or planned return, while ""go back to"" can be used in multiple scenarios.