return to the fore

USAGE SUMMARY

"return to the fore" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that has come back into prominence or become popular, often after having been forgotten or ignored for some time. Example: After decades of obscurity, avant-garde jazz returned to the fore in the early 21st century.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

When Congress resumes next month, the issue is almost certain to return to the fore.

The New York Times

America's most contentious legal battle will return to the fore (not that it ever really goes away).

The New Yorker

Environmental concerns could – should – and may well return to the fore if and when Howard Davies's commission recommends new runways.

The Guardian

Insiders began speculating about Petraeus's return to the fore of national-security policymaking circles almost immediately after his November 2012 resignation following the revelation of an extramarital affair.

The Guardian

Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary whose quiet return to the fore has been noted on this blog, has been recalled to the frontline.

The Guardian

Now, as much of the world emerges from recession and as geopolitics and threats to energy supplies return to the fore, oil consumption is expected to rebound again, driven mostly by Asia and the Middle East.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In any event, politics soon returned to the fore.

The Economist

England's forgotten man returns to the fore next week.

The Guardian - Sport

As circumstances changed over the years, old KGB instincts returned to the fore.

The Economist

In Heidegger's subsequent writings, the Seinsfrage gradually returned to the fore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At which point, the traders' non-conformist spirit returned to the fore.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return to the fore" when emphasizing that something, like an issue or a person, is regaining attention or importance after a period of being less prominent. For example: 'After years of neglect, environmental concerns have returned to the fore.'

Common error

Avoid using "return to the fore" when simply indicating something is appearing for the first time. This phrase is best suited for situations where there is a clear sense of something regaining a prior level of significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to the fore" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'has returned', 'will return') to indicate the action of regaining prominence or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase describes a process of resurgence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to the fore" is a verbal phrase that means something is regaining prominence or importance after a period of being less noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, it serves to emphasize the cyclical nature of attention. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure the context accurately reflects a resurgence, not a first-time appearance. Alternatives such as "regain prominence" or "come to the forefront" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to the forefront

Similar meaning, emphasizing the act of moving to a leading or visible position.

regain prominence

Highlights the recovery of a position of importance or fame.

become relevant again

Focuses on regaining relevance or importance in a particular context.

reassert itself

Highlights the act of reaffirming or reinstating one's position or influence.

re-emerge

Focuses on the act of reappearing after a period of absence or obscurity.

gain renewed attention

Focuses on attracting attention again after a period of neglect.

resurface

Implies coming back to the surface, often after being hidden or forgotten.

make a comeback

Emphasizes a return to popularity or success after a decline.

revive

Implies bringing something back to life or activity.

be restored to favor

Highlights being brought back to a state of acceptance or preference.

FAQs

What does "return to the fore" mean?

The phrase "return to the fore" means that something is becoming prominent or important again after a period of being forgotten or less noticeable. It implies a resurgence or revival of something that once held a significant position.

How can I use "return to the fore" in a sentence?

You can use "return to the fore" to describe a situation where an issue, idea, or person is regaining attention or significance. For example: "After the economic crisis, discussions about income inequality returned to the fore."

What can I say instead of "return to the fore"?

You can use alternatives like "regain prominence", "come to the forefront", or "become relevant again" depending on the context.

Is "return to the fore" formal or informal?

"Return to the fore" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. While not overly stilted, it's less common in everyday conversation.