returning to form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something regaining their previous level of performance or quality after a period of decline or inconsistency. Example: "After a series of disappointing matches, the team is finally returning to form and winning again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Fancy returning to form today Wayne Rooney?

Independent

Manning is apparently returning to form rapidly.

The New York Times

Not with the Patriots suddenly returning to form.

The New York Times - Sports

The first two episodes of the third series, however, thankfully suggest Downton is returning to form.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mets center fielder Mike Cameron might also be returning to form.

The New York Times - Sports

Busby took over again and, with Best returning to form, United recovered to finish eighth.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But she quickly returned to form.

The New York Times - Magazine

Peter Vermes should expect them to return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, this spring, he began to return to form.

The New York Times - Sports

Ponting backed his fast bowlers – Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus – to return to form.

The Guardian - Sport

Fair enough, since this time he successfully returns to form.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returning to form" to describe a recovery or improvement after a period of underperformance, especially in sports, arts, or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "returning to form" if there is no prior history of high performance. The phrase implies a recovery from a previous state of excellence, not simply an initial improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to form" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in conjunction with a subject to indicate a process of regaining a previous level of skill, ability, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sport

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "returning to form" is a common verb phrase used to describe the act of regaining a previous level of performance or quality after a period of decline. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in sports and news media. When using "returning to form", ensure the subject has a prior history of high performance. Related phrases include "getting back on track" and "regaining momentum". Understanding its proper usage and context will help ensure effective communication and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting back on track

Emphasizes resuming progress after a setback or deviation.

hitting their stride

Describes reaching a point of optimal performance and efficiency.

regaining momentum

Focuses on recovering speed and force in an activity or process.

getting back up to speed

Implies accelerating performance to match a previous or expected level.

recovering lost ground

Highlights the act of making up for previous losses or failures.

picking up where they left off

Highlights the seamless continuation of an activity or process after a pause.

bouncing back

Suggests a quick and resilient recovery from a difficult situation.

re-emerging

Focuses on becoming prominent or noticeable again after a period of obscurity or decline.

finding their feet again

Implies a period of adjustment and re-establishment after a disruption.

getting back into the swing of things

Focuses on readapting to a routine or activity after an interruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "returning to form" to describe someone or something regaining their previous level of performance or quality. For example: "After a series of disappointing matches, the team is finally returning to form and winning again."

What does "returning to form" imply?

The phrase "returning to form" implies that the subject had previously achieved a high level of performance or quality, experienced a decline, and is now showing signs of regaining that previous level.

What can I say instead of "returning to form"?

You can use alternatives like "getting back on track", "regaining momentum", or "recovering lost ground" depending on the context.

Is "returning to form" applicable in business contexts?

Yes, "returning to form" can be used in business contexts to describe a company or individual regaining profitability, market share, or overall success after a period of decline. For example: "After a restructuring, the company is finally returning to form and showing strong financial results."