return to the origin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to the origin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing going back to the starting point or the source of something, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "After exploring various theories, the researchers decided to return to the origin of the hypothesis to reassess their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I wanted to return to the origin of jewels," said the designer.

The New York Times

Daley named his Origin I side at Sydney's Hilton Hotel with Tony Williams to make his return to the Origin arena after missing last year's series through poor form.

The Guardian - Sport

It is to have a compulsive, repetitive and nostalgic desire for the archive, an irrepressible desire to return to the origin, a homesickness, a nostalgia for the return to the most archaic place of absolute commencement.

Cornell University

"For the kids, spoken word is a reconnection with the oral tradition, a return to the origin of language, its sound, its music," said Tim McLaughlin, a creative writing teacher at the school and the team's coach.

The New York Times

For compressive strain up to 90%, the unloading curves all return to the origin without producing residual strain (plastic deformation).

Nanoscale Research Letters

If, as Derrida claims, it is necessary to distinguish the archive from the archaeological, it is because the former is all too often reduced to the latter; "notably," as Derrida puts it, "the experience of memory and the return to the origin, but also the archaic and the archeological, the memory of the dig, in other words, the search for lost time" (77).

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In no way can it be understood as a return to the origins of Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Magazines have their own language and we need to return to the origins of that language," he added.

The New York Times

Ever since Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 started nudging the series toward a futuristic sci-fi setting, series fans have been yearning for a return to the origins of the franchise, as a big bombastic Second World War drama.

The Guardian - Tech

On the contrary, it stresses the need to "return to the origins" and restore and complete the economic constitution that has been so successful in Europe for half a century.

Columbia University

"It seems like that's good for the whole world if we can start growing our own fuel instead of starting wars over it". In some ways, it is a return to the origins of the diesel engine; some of Rudolf Diesel's first engines ran on peanut oil more than a century ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return to the origin", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the "origin" refers to, providing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "return to the origin" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "go back to the start" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to the origin" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a movement back to a starting point or source. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It commonly serves as the predicate of a sentence or clause, describing an action or process of going back.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Science

40%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to the origin" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a process of going back to the starting point or source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While generally acceptable, it's relatively infrequent and more suited for analytical or formal contexts than casual conversation. Related phrases like "go back to the beginning" or ""revert to the source"" might be more appropriate in less formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what the "origin" represents to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back to the beginning

Very similar to "return to the origin", but emphasizes the temporal aspect of going back.

revert to the source

This alternative uses 'revert' which implies a return to a previous condition or practice, emphasizing a backward movement to the source.

revisit the genesis

Similar to revisiting the origin, this phrase is often used in more formal or academic contexts.

go back to the starting point

This phrase is more literal and emphasizes the act of physically or conceptually going back to where something began.

trace back to the roots

This option uses 'roots', implying a deeper exploration of the foundational elements of something.

get back to basics

This implies simplifying a process or concept by focusing on the most essential elements from the beginning.

back to square one

An idiomatic expression that implies restarting from the very beginning, often after a failed attempt.

go back to square one

This idiom suggests starting over completely, often after a failure or setback.

retrace one's steps

This phrase indicates a careful and deliberate return, often in order to find something lost or understand what went wrong.

come full circle

This phrase suggests a return to the initial situation after a period of change or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to the origin" to describe a process of revisiting the source or beginning of something. For example, "The artist decided to return to the origin of his inspiration for his next project".

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

You can use alternatives like "go back to the starting point", "revert to the source", or "get back to basics" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "return to the origin" or "return to the origins"?

"Return to the origin" refers to returning to a single source or starting point, while "return to the origins" implies going back to multiple sources or beginnings. The choice depends on whether there is one source or multiple.

When is it appropriate to use "return to the origin" in writing?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize going back to the fundamental source or beginning of something, especially in academic, scientific, or formal writing. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be better.