recur to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recur to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to returning to a previous topic, idea, or source for further consideration or reference. Example: "In her analysis, she chose to recur to the original studies that laid the groundwork for her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

For that reason, today more than ever, it is necessary to recur to the second most important of Plato's virtues: prudence.

The New Yorker

As we return to a usual and normal state of things, we shall tend to recur to our regular and habitual accumulation.

The Economist

These memories will recur to her as she pursues her new vocation, but Buñuel does not simply intersperse them into an unfolding scene, and as it were return to the subject's remembering face once they are finished, to preserve the conventional integrity of the present tense.

The Guardian - Film

This sort of emulation and plagiarism is a very particular kind of flattery, because it promotes Paine's work to that exalted company shared by the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, which recur to the mind in times of stress, or of need, or even of joy.

The Guardian - Books

Christianity, for instance, to recur to our primary illustration, was not promulgated until the "fulness of time;" and some of the greatest of those inventions which have blessed the human race have been, as it were, purposely retarded until the world had been prepared for it.

The Economist

But administration officials note that Michigan's fiscal challenges remain severe — estimating that the rainy day fund in their battered state coffers would keep the government running for only around a half an hour — and say that using money that may not recur to balance next year's budget would make it harder to put the state in a strong position over the long term.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The ability to recur months to years after apparent clinical improvement is unlike other bacterial pathogens in persons with CGD.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Disasters are recurring to global problems, which results in homelessness.

Building and Environment

Recurring to social practices is also useful to link the MLP to social innovation.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Nevertheless, it is possible to overcome this limitation by recurring to decomposition-based techniques.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Designers can then specify their systems without recurring to posynomial approximations and capturing arbitrary nonconvex constraints.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recur to" when you want to emphasize a return to a specific point, idea, or method, especially when it's for clarification or reference. For example, "To understand the current policy, we must "recur to" the original legislation."

Common error

Avoid using "recur to" when "resort to" is more appropriate. "Resort to" implies using something as a last resort, while "recur to" simply means returning to something. For example, don't say "We had to "recur to" violence"; instead, use "We had to resort to violence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recur to" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a return to something, often for assistance or clarification. Ludwig AI affirms this usage with numerous examples showing its applicability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "recur to" is grammatically correct and suitable for indicating a return to something, frequently for reference or support. While interchangeable with terms like "return to", "recur to" often suggests a more deliberate revisitation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's commonly used in science, news, and formal business contexts. To prevent usage errors, avoid using "recur to" when you intend to convey "resort to", which indicates a final option when all else has failed. Ultimately, while uncommon, this phrase is a valuable tool in a writer's arsenal for precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to

A more general term for going back to something previously considered or done.

go back to

A simpler and more informal way of saying return to.

revert to

Focuses on returning to a previous state or condition, often implying a less desirable one.

fall back on

Suggests relying on something as a backup or reserve option.

resort to

Implies using something as a last option or when other methods have failed.

revisit

Focuses on considering or discussing something again.

turn to

Indicates seeking help or assistance from someone or something.

have recourse to

A more formal and legalistic term for having the option to use something.

look back to

Emphasizes reviewing or remembering something from the past.

hark back to

Suggests a nostalgic or idealized return to a past time or idea.

FAQs

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

The phrase "recur to" is used to describe going back to something, often for support or clarification. For example, "In analyzing the problem, we had to "recur to" the fundamental principles of physics."

What's the difference between "recur to" and "resort to"?

"Recur to" means to return to something, while "resort to" means to turn to something as a last option or when other methods have failed. "We had to "recur to" the data to verify our findings" versus "They "resorted to" violence when negotiations failed."

Is there a more formal alternative to "recur to"?

Yes, a more formal alternative to "recur to" is "have "have recourse to"". This phrase is often used in legal or official contexts to indicate the availability of a particular option or action.

When is it appropriate to use "recur to" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "recur to" when you want to emphasize a return to a specific point, idea, or method, especially for clarification or reference. Consider alternatives like "return to", but "recur to" often highlights a deliberate revisitation.