return to states

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to states" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing going back to specific conditions, situations, or locations, often in a political or geographical context. Example: "After the meeting, we will return to states to discuss the next steps in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Like Mr. Obama's waiver proposal, the Harkin bill would return to states some powers taken over by Washington under the Bush-era law, including the leeway to devise their own systems for holding schools accountable for student progress.

The New York Times

A 6-3 decistrikingiking DOMA down would affirm that it is the states, and not the federal government, that has the final say on marriage law in the United States, and would return to states the power to provide full equality to couples regardless of their sexual orientation.

Huffington Post

"It's possible that students are paying lots of money for private schools in high-debt, low-delinquency states that equip them well enough to handle their loans," Jordan Weissmann writes in The Atlantic, adding that college students who graduate and return to states with high unemployment rates are less likely to earn enough to make monthly payments.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

More than half the Russian people favor a return to state censorship.

The New Yorker

The aim: to help people from all trades and professions return to state schools to inspire our next generations.

Independent

Rank-and-file state employees who are not part of the elected class cannot keep accruing pension benefits if they return to state government employment after retiring.

The New York Times

The independent Office of Inspector General in April deemed inmate care at Folsom State Prison adequate, positioning it for final review by Kelso's office and a return to state control.

Los Angeles Times

The number of migrants returning to states with historically high migration rates has declined from 50percenttotonlyly 35percentt, whereas the proportion of stayers is only 21percentt.

IZA Journal of Migration

The airlines returned to state control in 2008.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rodriguez could file a motion asking that the case be returned to state court.

The New York Times - Sports

The smokers' lawyer, Stanley Rosenblatt is expected to move that the case be returned to state court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political or legal changes, use "return to states" to emphasize a deliberate transfer or restoration of power or control from a central authority to individual states. This implies a shift in governance or jurisdiction.

Common error

Avoid using "return to states" when you simply mean "return to a state of being". Ensure the context involves specific geographical or political entities, not just a general condition. For a condition, consider alternatives like "revert to normal" or "return to equilibrium".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to states" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of something being given back or reverting to individual states. This can involve power, control, jurisdiction, or physical relocation. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return to states" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of reverting or transferring something back to individual states, often referring to power, control, or jurisdiction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedia articles, and scientific publications. While its usage is relatively rare, it is important to ensure that the context involves actual geographical or political states and not just a general condition. Related phrases include "revert to state control" and ""devolve power to states"". When using the phrase, focus on clarity and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of transferring something back to specific states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to state control

This suggests a change back to government management or ownership.

go back to states

A more direct and simple way of saying "return", implying a physical movement back.

return to state jurisdiction

Focuses specifically on the legal authority being given back to individual states.

devolve power to states

Highlights the transfer of authority from a central entity to individual states.

cede authority to states

Implies a formal relinquishing of control or power to the states.

restore states' rights

Emphasizes the act of bringing back the rights and powers of individual states.

give back to states

Simple phrasing focusing on returning something previously taken or held.

move back to states

Describes a physical relocation of people or resources to specific states.

transfer back to states

Indicates a shift of something, like funds or responsibilities, to the states.

hand back to states

Informal way of saying to return something or authority to individual states.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to states" to describe the act of giving power back to individual states, such as: "The new legislation aims to "devolve power to states", allowing them more autonomy in local governance."

What can I say instead of "return to states"?

Alternatives include "revert to state control", ""devolve power to states"", or "cede authority to states" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "returning to states" instead of "return to states"?

Yes, both phrases can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Return to states" is often used as a general phrase, while "returning to states" implies an action in progress or a continuous process of returning.

What is the difference between "return to states" and "return to the state"?

"Return to states" refers to individual states (plural) each regaining something. "Return to the state" refers to a return to a specific condition or situation, and 'the state' implies a single entity or condition.