return to the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to the issue" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to go back or revisit a topic or problem that was previously discussed. Example: "After discussing the budget for the event, let's return to the issue of finding a suitable venue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gavi will return to the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me return to the issue of "kiss and sell".

The Guardian

The council will return to the issue on Tuesday.

The New York Times

But now he is a free man again, he may return to the issue.

The Economist

Mr. Webre has the courage to return to the issue of Jake's impotence more than once.

The New York Times - Arts

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, issued a challenge to May to return to the issue.

The Guardian

But despite that promise, the socialists have not sought to return to the issue.

The Guardian

The Republican House leaders, however, showed little inclination to return to the issue any time soon.

The New York Times

Republican leaders showed no signs that they would return to the issue soon.

The New York Times

He said he also planned to return to the issue of military preparedness next week.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM JOHN MCGOWAN (UK): I just wonder if its possible to return to the issue of achievable solutions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return to the issue" when you want to signal a deliberate shift back to a previously discussed topic, especially after a digression or to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "return to the issue" in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "let's get back to it" or "anyway, about that..." to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to the issue" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a deliberate shift back to a topic previously discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. This phrase is often used to refocus attention after a digression or to emphasize the importance of a particular point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to the issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, that functions as a transitional marker to refocus attention on a previously discussed topic. It's most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To ensure effective communication, use it deliberately to signal a shift back to an important subject, but avoid overusing it in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "revisit the matter" or "come back to the topic" for variety. By understanding its function and context, you can confidently employ "return to the issue" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revisit the matter

Uses "matter" instead of "issue", suggesting a slightly broader scope.

reconsider the subject

Emphasizes a renewed consideration, implying a potential change in perspective.

readdress the problem

Focuses on a problem that needs to be solved, offering a more action-oriented approach.

come back to the topic

Offers a more informal and direct way to indicate a return to a subject.

revert to the question

Implies going back to a specific question that was previously raised.

pick up the thread again

Suggests resuming a discussion or train of thought that was interrupted.

resume discussion on the item

Formal and emphasizes continuation of a formal debate.

re-examine the concern

Uses 'concern' to focus on anxieties or worries.

get back to the point

Suggests redirection towards an important item that was not mentioned since a while.

address the item again

Formal, emphasizes bringing up and dealing with an item once more.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to the issue" to signal a deliberate shift back to a previously discussed topic, for example: "Before we move on, let's "return to the issue" of budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "return to the issue"?

Alternatives include "revisit the matter", "reconsider the subject", or "come back to the topic", depending on the formality and context.

When is it appropriate to use "return to the issue"?

It is appropriate to use "return to the issue" in formal settings, such as meetings, reports, or academic papers, when you need to refocus the discussion on a previously mentioned topic.

What is the difference between "return to the issue" and "address the issue again"?

"Return to the issue" implies a revisit after a digression, while "address the issue again" suggests a need to deal with the problem for a second time or from another angle.