return to normalcy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to normalcy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the resumption of regular activities or processes after a period of disruption. For example, "Now that the snowstorm has passed, the town can return to normalcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want a return to normalcy.

The New York Times - Sports

Mexico begins to return to normalcy.

The New Yorker

Now may the country return to normalcy".

The Guardian

Friday's Game 3 represented a return to normalcy.

The New York Times - Sports

"He wants to drive a return to normalcy.

The New York Times

Rising Treasury rates are mainly a return to normalcy.

The New York Times

What this country needs is a return to normalcy.

The New York Times

"It was evidence of a return to normalcy," he said.

The New York Times

"A return to normalcy should be evident by next week.

The New York Times

All Sánchez wanted was a return to normalcy.

The New York Times - Sports

Mourning said he was eager for a return to normalcy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return to normalcy" when you want to emphasize a complete shift back to pre-disruption conditions, not just a partial recovery.

Common error

Don't use "return to normalcy" for trivial situations. Reserve it for significant events where a genuine return to previous conditions is the goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to normalcy" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the process or state of reverting to a normal condition after a period of disruption or abnormality. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return to normalcy" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the process of reverting to a normal state after a period of disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources such as the New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's best reserved for significant disruptions where a genuine restoration of previous conditions is intended. Alternatives like "resume normal activities" or "restore the status quo" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get back to normal

A more informal way of expressing the same idea.

resume normal activities

Focuses on the resumption of actions rather than the overall state.

get back on track

Implies to start performing well or succeeding again after a period when you did not do so.

resume former state

Focuses on the condition of something or someone before the disruption.

restore the status quo

Emphasizes the restoration of the existing state of affairs before the disruption.

achieve stability again

Highlights regaining a steady and predictable state.

recover equilibrium

Focuses on regaining balance and stability.

re-establish order

Highlights the restoration of structure and control.

revert to type

Implies a return to a previous behavior or pattern.

turn the clock back

Implies a complete reversal to a prior time or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to normalcy" to describe the process of going back to a normal state after a period of disruption. For example, "The city is working towards a "return to normalcy" after the hurricane."

What are some alternatives to "return to normalcy"?

Alternatives include "resume normal activities", "restore the status quo", or "get back to normal", depending on the context.

Is "return to normalcy" formal or informal?

"Return to normalcy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although phrases like "get back on track" might be preferred in casual conversation.

What does "return to normalcy" imply?

"Return to normalcy" implies a complete or near-complete restoration of previous conditions, suggesting that the disruption is over and things are as they once were.