return to the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"return to the topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are going back to discussing a previous topic or issue. For example, "We've discussed this in detail, but let's return to the topic of transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He is not expected to return to the topic this week.

The Guardian - Business

We will return to the topic of dispatch functions several times throughout this chapter.

University of California, Berkeley

This has led us to return to the topic with a more general overview of this advanced manufacturing process.

Sealing Technology

So let's return to the topic: Where's the proof that the divorce gap is a result of discrimination against girls?

The New York Times

Assured that this would not be the case, she relaxed again and said the committee would return to the topic in 18 months.

The Guardian

"This is an issue whose time has come... [Multinational companies should] wake up and smell the coffee". He is not expected to return to the topic this week.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

A new way of finding your way around the Guardian website, helping you return to the topics you visit most often.

The Guardian

He returned to the topic later.

The New York Times

En route, he returns to the topic of Charlotte Moorman.

The New York Times

Then Limbaugh returned to the topic of immigration reform.

The New Yorker

Later in the interview, Ms. Sawyer returned to the topic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ variations like "revisit the subject" or "circle back to the topic" to provide nuance and avoid repetition in your writing. This enriches the reader's experience.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "return to the topic" in a single piece of writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "revisit the issue" or "circle back to the matter" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to the topic" serves as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift back to a previously discussed subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to the topic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to signal a shift back to a previously discussed subject, especially after digressions. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media, Academia and Science. While versatile, varying the phrasing with alternatives like "revisit the subject" or "circle back to the topic" can enhance clarity and engagement. Understanding the function and purpose of this phrase helps maintain focus and coherence in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to the subject

Uses "revert" instead of "return", slightly altering the nuance to suggest a default or original state.

go back to the topic

Employs a more informal and direct phrasing, replacing "return" with "go back".

revisit the subject

Substitutes "return" with "revisit", implying a deliberate and thoughtful reconsideration.

get back to the topic

Similar to "go back", but uses "get back" for a more casual tone.

come back to the topic

Uses "come back" instead of "return", suggesting a return from a slight digression.

to return to the subject matter

Adds "matter", which emphasizes the substance of the topic. More formal.

redirect to the topic

Implies a more forceful or intentional shift back to the original subject, especially if the conversation has significantly strayed.

resume discussion of the topic

Emphasizes the continuation of a discussion, suitable for formal settings.

pick up the thread

An idiomatic expression referring to resuming a discussion or narrative from where it left off.

circle back to the topic

Suggests that the discussion is coming back to its starting point after exploring related areas.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "return to the topic"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "to return to the subject matter" or "resume discussion of the topic".

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

You can use "return to the topic" to signal a shift back to the main subject after a digression. For example, "Now that we've addressed that, let's return to the topic of budget allocation."

What are some informal alternatives to "return to the topic"?

Informal alternatives include "go back to the topic", "get back to the topic", or "come back to the topic".

Is there a difference between "return to the topic" and "revert to the topic"?

While similar, "return to the topic" generally implies a deliberate choice to go back, whereas "revert to the subject" suggests a return to a previous state, often after a deviation or interruption.