return to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"return to work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone who is about to start, or has just resumed their job duties after a period of absence. For example, "John was excited to return to work after his vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nod, turn, return to work.

The Guardian - Film

He didn't want to return to work.

The New York Times

He hopes to return to work.

The New York Times - Science

"It is time to return to work".

The New Yorker

He got up to return to work.

The New Yorker

Mr. Quinn had to return to work.

The New York Times

One day they may want to return to work.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

RTW: Return-to-work.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Moreover, return-to-work has implications for old-age benefits.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

GRTW = gradual return-to-work.

BMC Health Services Research

All patients: Return-to-work share and Return-to-work chance were equivalent between the groups.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an employee's recovery, use "return to work" in conjunction with specific milestones or timelines, such as "a phased return to work" or "return to work after six weeks".

Common error

Avoid generically stating "they will return to work" without clarifying when or under what conditions. Providing specific details makes the statement more informative and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return to work" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of resuming employment after a period of absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in various contexts to denote this specific action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return to work" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the action of resuming employment after a period of absence. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While its register is typically neutral, providing context and specific details ensures clarity and avoids generic statements. Considering related phrases like "resume working" or "go back to work" can offer nuanced alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resume working

Focuses on the act of starting work again, omitting the break.

go back to work

Emphasizes the action of going back to a previous job.

re-enter the workforce

Highlights the transition back into the broader employment sector.

get back on the job

Uses informal language to describe the act of resuming job duties.

recommence employment

A more formal way of saying to start working again.

start back at work

Focuses on the beginning of work again.

rejoin the payroll

Implies that the individual is back on the company's salary system.

pick up where you left off

Emphasizes continuing from a previous point without missing anything.

reassume responsibilities

Highlights taking over previous duties again.

restore working status

Focuses on restoring the individual's employment status.

FAQs

What does "return to work" mean in the context of disability?

In the context of disability, "return to work" refers to the process of a person with a disability resuming employment after a period of absence due to their condition. This may involve adjustments to their job or workplace to accommodate their needs.

What are some alternatives to "return to work"?

You can use alternatives like "resume working", "go back to work", or "re-enter the workforce" depending on the specific context.

How is "return to work" different from "getting a job"?

"Return to work" implies a resumption of employment after a break, while "getting a job" refers to starting a new employment or entering the workforce for the first time.

What factors influence a successful "return to work" after an injury?

Factors that influence a successful "return to work" can include the severity of the injury, the availability of workplace accommodations, the support from employers and colleagues, and the individual's motivation and rehabilitation progress.