return to form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to form" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is reverting back to a desired or well-known state. For example: "After an initial slump in their performance, the team has managed to return to form and is now competing strongly for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Music

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a welcome return to form.

The New Yorker

A thrilling return to form.

The Guardian - Music

Fiorucci … was a devastating return to form.

The Guardian - Music

This was a glittering return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

Will Brave mark a return to form?

The Guardian - Film

A goal marked a return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

Her return to form, more radiant than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Return to form from Ravi, only four from the over.

The Guardian - Sport

Clarke will be grateful for Westwood's return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

It also recognizes the return to form of Curtis Martin.

The New York Times - Sports

Peter Vermes should expect them to return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return to form" when you want to indicate a positive change after a period of decline in performance or quality, highlighting a restoration to a previous, better state.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "return to form" is permanent. It is often a temporary phase, and sustained effort is needed to maintain the improved state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to form" functions primarily as a noun phrase or a verb phrase, depending on the context. As Ludwig examples show, it signifies a restoration to a former level of performance or quality after a period of decline. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Music

8%

Film

6%

Books

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return to form" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the restoration of a previous, higher level of performance or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, arts, music, film, and books. The phrase has a neutral register and serves to highlight positive change and renewed competence. When using "return to form", remember that it often suggests a temporary improvement, and sustained effort may be needed to maintain the regained level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restore former performance

Highlights performance quality that was available in the past.

regain former level

Focuses on getting back to the level of performance in the past.

recover previous ability

Highlights the recovery of a specific skill or ability.

revert to original state

Focuses on the state of being rather than performance or skill.

rally to previous standard

Suggests an effort to reach a former level of quality or performance.

rediscover lost talent

Emphasizes talent was already there but obscured for an amount of time.

bounce back to former glory

Emphasizes a dramatic recovery and past success.

make a comeback

Implies a return to popularity or success after a period of decline.

improve to previous condition

Highlights betterment compared to previous status.

get back into shape

Implies a physical or performance-related improvement after a decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to form" to describe a person, team, or entity that is performing well again after a period of poor performance. For example: "After a shaky start to the season, the team is showing a welcome "return to form"".

What are some alternatives to "return to form"?

Alternatives include "revert to original state", "bounce back to former glory", or "recover previous ability", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "returning to form"?

Yes, "returning to form" is the present participle form and is correct. For example: "The athlete is "returning to form" after a long injury layoff".

What does it mean when someone says an athlete is "returning to form"?

It means the athlete is regaining their previous level of skill and performance after a period of decline, injury, or poor performance. They are getting back to their best.