recede to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recede to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of moving back or withdrawing to a previous position or state. Example: "As the tide began to recede to its original level, the beach was revealed once more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

As the weather turns colder, the stream of visitors will recede to a trickle.

The New York Times

As we head into 2016, climate change news will likely recede to make room for other headlines.

The Guardian

If the media would better help voters assess the content of a political hopeful's message, the coolness of the politician might recede to its proper place.

The New York Times - Magazine

The floodgates of immigration are opened up enough to make a labor surplus so labor costs can recede to an acceptable level.

The New York Times

A cascade of chemical reactions follows, all of which need time to recede to allow brain function to return to normal.

The New York Times - Health

The Cyclones were a surprise then and, after losing Marcus Fizer early to the National Basketball Association, were supposed to recede to the midpack in the Big 12.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

As traditional retail continues to recede, direct to commerce fashion brands continue to emerge.

TechCrunch

Now that number is beginning to recede, dropping to 18% in 2001 and 19% last year.

Forbes

It has receded to the unfashionable background.

The New York Times

He eventually receded to infantilism from which he never recovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hernia, too, had receded to a back burner.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recede to" to describe a gradual return to a previous state or position, especially when something had advanced beyond that point. For example, "After the storm, the floodwaters began to "recede to" their normal levels."

Common error

Avoid using "recede to" when a simple return or movement is described. "Return to", "go back to", or "retreat to" might be more appropriate if there isn't an implication of a prior advancement or expansion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recede to" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a movement backward or a return to a previous state or condition. As shown by Ludwig, it describes processes of decline or withdrawal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recede to" is a phrasal verb that means to move back or return to a previous state, level, or position. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It appears most often in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "return to" or "go back to" exist, "recede to" specifically implies a gradual return, often after some form of advancement. It's important to avoid using "recede to" when a simple return is meant; "return to" or "go back to" may be more fitting in those instances. Using "recede to" accurately will help to clarify meaning and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to

Indicates a return to a previous state or location.

go back to

Suggests a reversion to a former condition or place.

retreat to

Implies withdrawing to a safer or more familiar place or state.

fall back to

Signifies a return to a previous strategy, state, or position, often after an unsuccessful attempt at something else.

diminish to

Indicates a decrease in size, importance, or intensity until reaching a specific level.

decline to

Describes a gradual decrease in quantity or quality.

wane to

Similar to diminish, suggesting a gradual decrease in power or influence.

subside to

Indicates a calming down or settling to a lower level.

drop to

Suggests a quick or sudden decrease to a lower level or amount.

revert to

Implies returning to a former practice, belief, or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "recede to" in a sentence?

"Recede to" is used to describe a gradual return to a previous state or position. For example, "As the tide began to "recede to" its original level, the beach was revealed once more."

What can I say instead of "recede to"?

You can use alternatives like "return to", "go back to", or "retreat to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "recede to" or "recede back to"?

"Recede to" is the correct and more concise form. Adding "back" is redundant because "recede" already implies movement backward. Therefore it's better to say to "recede to" instead of recede back to.

What's the difference between "recede to" and "return to"?

"Recede to" often implies a more gradual or natural return, especially after a prior increase or advancement. "Return to" is more general and can refer to any return to a previous state or location, regardless of prior movement.