returning to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a transition phrase to indicate that the writer is going back to a topic previously discussed. For example: "We have discussed the key pros and cons of this option. Returning to our original question, is this the best path forward?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's returning to us".

The New York Times

Or they're returning to rental.

The New York Times

Mogadishu began returning to life.

The New Yorker

Returning to live in Maycomb?

Independent

America is returning to Vietnam.

The New Yorker

Returning to the chaotic scene, he panicked.

The New York Times

Of returning to the Super Bowl.

The New York Times - Sports

American power companies are returning to coal.

The Economist

Fancy returning to form today Wayne Rooney?

Independent

Instead, she kept returning to it.

The New York Times

Returning to the surface was bittersweet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "returning to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "returning to" without a clear prior mention of the subject. Ensure your reader knows what you're referring back to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial phrase to modify a verb. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, with examples showing its role in transitioning back to a topic or location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "returning to" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to guide readers or listeners back to a previously discussed topic or location. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, highlights its common usage. When using "returning to", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "going back to" or "reverting to" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going back to

Indicates a physical or metaphorical movement back, similar to "returning to" but slightly less formal.

reverting to

Implies a return to a former condition, practice, or belief; suggests a previous state was abandoned.

coming back to

Suggests a cyclical or repeated return; may imply a sense of inevitability or familiarity.

revisiting

Focuses on the act of examining or considering something again, often in a mental or intellectual sense.

heading back to

Suggests a direction and intention of returning, often implying a physical journey.

going towards again

Emphasizes the renewed direction or movement, implying an intention to approach once more.

backing to

Implies a physical reversal or backing up to a location, often used literally.

resuming

Highlights the continuation of an activity or process after an interruption.

re-engaging with

Implies a renewed involvement or interaction with something, often an activity or topic.

restoring to

Suggests bringing something back to a previous or original state, often after damage or alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "returning to" in a sentence?

Use "returning to" to signal a shift back to a previously discussed topic or location. For instance, "We've discussed the challenges; now, "returning to" the benefits, consider..."

What are some alternatives to "returning to"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "going back to", "reverting to", or "coming back to".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what I am "returning to"?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating what you're ""returning to"" enhances clarity and prevents confusion, especially in complex discussions.

What's the difference between "returning to" and "reverting to"?

"Returning to" generally means going back to something, while "reverting to" implies returning to a former state, often after a change or deviation.