returning to favor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to favor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something regaining approval, support, or popularity after a period of decline or disfavor. Example: "After years of criticism, the artist is finally returning to favor with her latest exhibition, which has received rave reviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

1 Fire Spotters at Work Lookout towers are returning to favor as a firefighting tool as suburban-style homes are built ever deeper into the country's forests. 1 Medicaid Suits Allowed In a victory for patients, two courts have ruled that poor people may sue state officials to compel them to provide Medicaid benefits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in the last year, his style has returned to favor.

The New York Times

Despite his setbacks, Mr. Zhang is convinced that his views will return to favor.

The New York Times

Is it possible that value investing may never again return to favor?

The New York Times

Once Barreto left office, he went into political limbo, but last year, during Chávez's reëlection campaign, he returned to favor.

The New Yorker

Third, and most important, gold could return to favor as an investment....Goldbugs argue that any one of these scenarios is plausible.

The New Yorker

In the aftermath, Videgaray was forced out of office, but following Trump's election he returned to favor and was appointed foreign secretary.

The New Yorker

Cynthia Barnett: Many Floridians have moved progressively outward from urban areas toward the rural, forested landscape, although city downtown living has returned to favor in recent years.

The New York Times

[C9.] Google Reports Profit Gain of 60% in First Quarter Google returned to favor among investors, as its profit for the quarter increased by 60percentt, well above expectations.

The New York Times

During the Renaissance "the flash and splendor of classical learning" became a genteel accomplishment, and older models of elegance and restraint returned to favor.

The New York Times - Books

His style of value investing has returned to favor -- and Berkshire's shares have risen -- as technology stocks and other high fliers have tumbled in the last year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returning to favor" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is not just experiencing a temporary resurgence, but is being viewed with renewed approval or support after a period of decline. This implies a shift in perception or judgment, not just a fleeting trend.

Common error

Avoid using "returning to favor" to describe something that has always been popular or well-regarded. This phrase suggests a prior period of disfavor or decline, which must be evident for the phrase to be appropriate. Don't use it if something is simply experiencing ongoing success without a notable dip in popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to favor" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a shift in perception or acceptance. It describes a situation where something or someone is regaining approval or popularity after a period of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "returning to favor" is a phrase used to describe something or someone regaining approval or popularity after a period of decline. It's grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, and most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that there has indeed been a previous period of disfavor. Alternatives include "regaining popularity" or "making a comeback". The phrase is versatile and can add nuance to your writing when discussing shifts in public opinion or acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regaining popularity

Focuses on the aspect of increasing popularity again.

coming back into vogue

Emphasizes a return to current fashion or style.

making a comeback

Highlights the act of successfully returning to a previous state of success or recognition.

being reinstated

Specifically refers to being restored to a previous position or condition.

finding renewed acceptance

Stresses the aspect of being accepted again after a period of rejection or disapproval.

enjoying a resurgence

Emphasizes a renewed increase or revival after a decline.

being back in the spotlight

Focuses on regaining public attention or prominence.

reclaiming prominence

Highlights the act of regaining a leading or important position.

winning back support

Emphasizes the recovery of approval or endorsement.

being rehabilitated

Indicates a restoration to good reputation or condition, often after a period of disrepute.

FAQs

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

You can use "returning to favor" to describe a situation where someone or something is regaining popularity or approval after a period of decline. For example, "After years of criticism, the artist is finally "returning to favor" with her latest exhibition".

What's a good alternative to "returning to favor"?

Alternatives to "returning to favor" include phrases like "regaining popularity", "making a comeback", or "finding renewed acceptance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "returned to favor"?

Yes, "returned to favor" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example, "The politician "returned to favor" after successfully leading the economic recovery".

What's the difference between "returning to favor" and "gaining popularity"?

"Returning to favor" implies that something or someone was previously popular or well-regarded, then experienced a decline, and is now regaining that positive status. "Gaining popularity" simply means becoming more popular, without necessarily implying a prior period of decline.