returning to school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to school" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of going back to an educational institution after a break or after completing a previous level of education. Example: "After taking a year off to travel, I am excited about returning to school this fall to pursue my degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The kids are returning to school.

The New York Times

He's contemplating returning to school.

The New York Times

Returning to school isn't always painful.

The New York Times - Arts

Returning to school has its challenges.

Harvard University

"Returning to school after winter break was rough," she recalls.

The Washington Post

She has no hesi­ta­tion about her child returning to school.

The Washington Post

I remember returning to school more committed and serious about college because of my experience.

The New York Times

Now, they held hands once again as they faced another terrifying prospect: returning to school.

The Guardian

Many students returning to school said they were happy to be there.

The New York Times

At 43, Ms. Ford has little interest in returning to school.

The New York Times

Returning to school, he recalled, "I couldn't get this place out of my system".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about education, use "returning to school" to specifically indicate resuming studies after a break. For a general term use "education".

Common error

Be careful not to use "returning to school" when referring to a child beginning their formal education for the first time. "Starting school" is more appropriate in that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to school" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the action of going back to an educational institution. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returning to school" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the act of resuming studies at an educational institution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports. Its frequency and presence across diverse sources like news outlets, business documents, and scientific publications highlight its versatility. While the phrase is generally straightforward, being mindful of potential errors, such as using it when someone is starting school for the first time, can enhance clarity. Overall, "returning to school" is a reliable and effective way to communicate the resumption of educational activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going back to school

This is a more common and general way to express the same idea.

resuming studies

This phrase emphasizes the continuation of academic work.

re-enrolling in school

This highlights the act of signing up for classes again.

heading back to school

This is a more casual way of saying "returning to school".

getting back to education

This emphasizes the broader concept of education.

restarting classes

This focuses on the act of beginning classes again.

going back to studying

This highlights the academic aspect of returning.

continuing education

This focuses on the ongoing nature of learning.

pursuing further education

This emphasizes the advancement in studies.

re-entering education

This emphasizes the act of going back into the education system.

FAQs

What's the difference between "going back to school" and "returning to school"?

While very similar, "going back to school" often implies a return to education after a break, while "returning to school" can also refer to simply attending school again after a shorter absence, like a summer vacation.

What can I say instead of "returning to school" to emphasize the academic work?

You could use phrases like "resuming studies" or "continuing education" to highlight the focus on learning and academic activities.

Is it correct to say "return to school" instead of "returning to school"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Return to school" is often used as a command or suggestion, while "returning to school" is a gerund phrase acting as a noun. The choice depends on the specific context of your sentence.

Can "returning to school" be used for any level of education?

Yes, "returning to school" can be used to describe resuming studies at any level, from elementary school to university. The context should make the specific level clear.