return to being

USAGE SUMMARY

"return to being" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to go back to a previous state or condition. Example: After several years of traveling and working abroad, John decided to return to being an accountant in his hometown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He wanted to return to being a soldier, he said.

The New York Times

"I can return to being me," he said.

The New York Times

Laurence Kotlikoff and John Goodman argue that banks need to return to being disinterested  intermediaries.

The Economist

The goal is to cure the Patient so she can return to being herself.

The New York Times

Mr Yang will return to being chief Yahoo, a position without direct executive responsibility.

The Economist

Many of them won't be able to afford that, which means they'll return to being uninsured.

The New Yorker

And crucially it aims to return to being a profit-making business by 2012.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Torre returned to being mild mannered yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Then they'll be returned to be voted on again.

Los Angeles Times

Return to thoughtless being.

The New Yorker

His first return to Little Rock was rough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return to being", ensure the context clearly establishes the previous state you are referencing. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the transition you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "return to being" when a simpler phrase like "become again" or "go back to" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to being" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of reverting or going back to a previous state, condition, or role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to being" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a reversion to a previous state or condition. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its common usage in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While generally neutral, the phrase can adopt a more formal tone depending on the subject matter. When writing, it's important to ensure that the previous state is clearly established to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "go back to being" or "resume being" can be used for slight variations in meaning. This comprehensive analysis offers guidance on effectively incorporating "return to being" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to a state of

Changes the verb to "revert" and adds "a state of" for emphasis on the condition.

go back to being

Uses simpler vocabulary like "go back" for a less formal tone.

resume being

Emphasizes the continuation of a state that was interrupted.

become again

More concise, focusing on the renewed state of existence.

relapse into

Suggests a negative return to a former, undesirable state.

fall back into

Implies a passive return, often to a less desirable condition.

be restored to

Focuses on the act of restoration to a prior condition.

re-assume the role of

Specifically refers to taking on a former role or responsibility.

be one's old self again

More idiomatic, referring to a return to a former personal state.

recover to

Focuses on restoration of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "return to being" in a sentence?

You can use "return to being" to describe a reversion to a previous state. For example, "After his injury, he worked hard to "return to being" a competitive athlete."

What are some alternatives to "return to being"?

Alternatives include "revert to a state of", "go back to being", or "resume being", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "return to being" versus "become again"?

"Return to being" implies a cyclical nature, where something was once in a particular state, changed, and then went back. "Become again" simply suggests a renewed state without necessarily implying a previous departure from it.

Is "returning to being" grammatically correct?

Yes, "returning to being" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses, such as "He is "returning to being" his old self again".