reassert itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reassert itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is regaining its previous position, influence, or importance after a period of decline or absence. Example: "After several years of being overshadowed by newer technologies, the traditional art form began to reassert itself in the cultural landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Principle began to reassert itself.

The Economist

Parliament needs to reassert itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sooner or later, their rivalry will reassert itself.

The Economist

It is now time for parliament to reassert itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Intellect can always reassert itself and ruin the fun, though.

The Guardian - Sport

The anti-communist union Solidarity, suppressed under martial law in 1980, had begun to reassert itself.

Independent

The second is that the historic link between house prices and consumer spending may reassert itself.

The Economist

Ottoman authority did reassert itself to some extent, but in a new form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The instability for which North Korean diplomacy is noted is sure to reassert itself before long.

The Economist

But it could well reassert itself in a period of falling house prices.

The Economist

Even though Hollywood inevitably reinvents history, history tends to reassert itself in odd ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reassert itself" when describing a cyclical phenomenon or a recurring pattern, where something loses prominence temporarily but eventually returns to its former strength. For example: "The economy experienced a downturn, but market confidence will likely "reassert itself" in the coming months."

Common error

Avoid using "reassert itself" when describing something that has fundamentally changed or been replaced. It implies a return to a prior state, not the creation of a new one. For example, instead of saying "Digital media will reassert itself as the primary source of news", consider "Digital media will solidify its position as the primary source of news" if it's a permanent shift.

Linguistic Context

"Reassert itself" functions as a verb phrase, typically following a noun or noun phrase, to indicate the act of regaining influence, power, or a previous condition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is considered usable and grammatically correct. The examples show that this phrase is often used to describe concepts such as power, authority, or even nature returning to a prior state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reassert itself" is used to describe the return of something to a previous state of influence or prominence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, implying a cyclical nature of events. When writing, it's best to use it when something is genuinely returning to a prior state rather than establishing a new one. Alternative phrases such as "recover its influence" or "regain prominence" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recover its influence

Focuses on regaining influence specifically.

regain prominence

Emphasizes the restoration of importance or fame.

bounce back

Implies a quick recovery from a setback.

make a comeback

Suggests a return to popularity or success after a decline.

rise again

Conveys a sense of resurgence or revival.

re-establish its authority

Highlights the act of restoring power or control.

reclaim its position

Focuses on recovering a specific rank or status.

restore itself

A more general term for bringing something back to a former condition.

reinstate itself

Implies a formal restoration to a previous state or office.

re-emerge

Highlights the act of reappearing after a period of absence.

FAQs

How can I use "reassert itself" in a sentence?

You can use "reassert itself" to describe something regaining prominence or influence after a period of decline. For instance: "After a period of dormancy, the company's brand began to "reassert itself" in the market."

What are some alternatives to "reassert itself"?

Consider using alternatives like "recover its influence", "regain prominence", or "bounce back" depending on the specific context.

Is "reassert itself" formal or informal?

"Reassert itself" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to appear more frequently in news and analytical writing. You can evaluate each context for better precision.

What's the difference between "reassert itself" and "reestablish itself"?

"Reassert itself" implies a cyclical return to a previous state, while "reestablish itself" suggests a more deliberate and perhaps challenging process of rebuilding or confirming a previous standing after being significantly disrupted.