return to the root

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return to the root" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea of going back to the original source or fundamental principles of something. Example: "In order to solve the problem effectively, we must return to the root of the issue and address it directly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, many, though not all, advocates of everyday aesthetics return to the root meaning of 'aesthetic' as experience gained through sensibility, whatever its evaluative valence may be.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

SANNEH -- She's definitely set herself up for a triumphant return-to-the-roots comeback.

The New York Times - Arts

Wahhabism is a puritanical return-to-the-roots movement, leaning toward passivity and quietism, not violence.

Huffington Post

This is a chance to return to the roots of what Ciao Bella was".

The New York Times - Food

The Games of 2004 were "a return to the roots" in Athens.

The New York Times - Sports

Every morning they must return to the roots or risk starvation.

The New York Times - Science

"It's just a return to the roots of venture capital," Mr. McIntyre said.

The New York Times

PAGE 13 OP-ED: Maureen Dowd Drinking a cold Bud, Obama struggles to return to the roots he struggled to leave.

The New York Times

A full theory of the chemical bond needs to return to the roots of the behaviour of electrons in molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He decided after his abrupt withdrawal from the Honda Classic this month to return to the roots of why he plays.

The New York Times - Sports

The same may prove true of the angry Muslims now calling for a return to the roots of their faith.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return to the root", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'root' represents. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "return to the root" when a simple adjustment or modification would suffice. It's best suited for situations needing a fundamental change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to the root" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb, indicating a process of going back to the origin or fundamental principles of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to the root" signifies a reversion to the foundational aspects of something, often to address current issues or improve a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, albeit relatively rare. The phrase appears in diverse contexts, notably in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what the 'root' represents to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "go back to the source" or "revisit the fundamentals" for semantic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back to the source

Emphasizes finding the original point or originator of something.

revert to the basics

Focuses on simplifying and going back to fundamental actions or elements.

get back to basics

Similar to reverting to the basics, highlighting a return to simplicity and core principles.

revisit the fundamentals

Focuses on re-examining the essential principles of a subject or skill.

look at the fundamentals

Focuses on a review of essential principles.

retrace one's steps

Implies going back to a previous point in a process or journey to understand better.

reexamine the foundations

Emphasizes a critical review of the base upon which something is built.

return to square one

Suggests restarting from the very beginning, often after failure.

delve into the origins

Implies a deeper investigation into the beginnings or causes of something.

go back to the drawing board

Suggests starting over with a new plan or design.

FAQs

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

You can use "return to the root" to describe a process of going back to the origin or fundamental principles of something. For example: "The company decided to return to the root of its mission to better serve its customers."

What's an alternative to "return to the root"?

Alternatives include "go back to the source", "revert to the basics", or "revisit the fundamentals", depending on the specific context.

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

It is appropriate when discussing a need to re-examine or revert to the fundamental aspects or origins of a concept, method, or organization. It's particularly useful when previous deviations have led to problems.

What does it mean to "return to the root" of a problem?

To "return to the root" of a problem means to go back to the fundamental cause or origin of the issue in order to understand it better and find a more effective solution.