returning to speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is regaining their pace or efficiency after a slowdown or interruption. Example: "After the brief delay, the train is now returning to speed and will reach its destination on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Four years later, the 1998 Winter Games having passed him by, Mr. Benta graduated with a degree in psychology and returned to Harlem, intent on returning to speed skating but without the money for training.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some, like Honda, had only just returned to speed after March's earthquake in northern Japan.

The New York Times

Elise Christie returns to speed skating as the British mixed relay team fail to qualify from their 2,000m heats in Canada.

BBC

Or to return to speed limits: the M25 highway in England uses radar guns, video cameras, and magnetic sensors -- not simply to catch speeding motorists, but to dynamically adjust speed limit signs in response to changing driving conditions.

Huffington Post

Elise Christie's return to speed skating ended in an early exit for the British mixed relay team at the opening World Cup event of the season.

BBC

But after returning to freeway speed, when the car pulled up alongside the writer's VW, instead of giving any sign of thanks, the guy in the passenger's seat pelted the VW with a handful of change.

The New Yorker

The response is short-lived, lasting approximately 15 seconds before returning to baseline speed [ 47].

BioMed Research International

By contrast, the Mobileye vehicle is capable only of driving in a single lane at freeway speeds, as well as identifying traffic lights and automatically slowing, stopping and then returning to highway speeds.

The New York Times - Science

After getting help, medication and returning to work, time sped up a bit.

Huffington Post

When Orion returns to Earth, speeding through the atmosphere, it will reach temperatures of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 Celsius) and a speed of 20,000 mph (32,000 km/h).

Huffington Post

Even the organization that represents state highway safety officials is against returning to a national speed limit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returning to speed" when you want to emphasize the process of regaining velocity or efficiency after a slowdown or pause. It is particularly effective when describing a recovery or resumption of normal activity.

Common error

Avoid using "returning to speed" when describing something that is already at its normal pace. This phrase implies a prior slowdown or interruption. Instead, use terms like "maintaining speed" or "operating at full capacity" for consistent activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to speed" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the resumption of a prior rate or velocity. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting a process of recovery or acceleration. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returning to speed" describes the act of something or someone regaining their prior rate or pace after a slowdown. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media or science, although it appears rather infrequently. Related phrases such as "regaining momentum" or "picking up speed" can serve as effective alternatives. Use this phrase when you wish to convey a resumption of activity and avoid using it when describing static situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Speeding up again

Implies a prior state of increased speed that was interrupted.

Regaining momentum

Focuses on recovering lost forward drive or progress.

Picking up speed

Emphasizes the act of accelerating or increasing velocity.

Accelerating

A more general term for increasing rate or velocity.

Recovering pace

Highlights the restoration of a previous tempo or rate.

Getting back on track

Focuses on recovering from a setback and resuming progress.

Increasing velocity

A more formal way of expressing an increase in speed.

Resuming velocity

Formally describe the resuming a certain velocity after a stop or decrease.

Resuming full operation

Implies a return to complete and efficient functionality.

Getting up to speed

Describes the process of reaching an acceptable level of performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "returning to speed" to describe a process of acceleration, for example: "After the brief stop, the train is now "returning to speed" and will arrive on time.".

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

Alternatives to "returning to speed" include "regaining momentum", "picking up speed", or "accelerating", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "returning to speed" in a business context?

Yes, "returning to speed" can be appropriate in a business context, especially when discussing recovery from a setback or the resumption of normal operations. For example: "The company is "returning to speed" after the economic downturn".

What's the difference between "returning to speed" and "getting up to speed"?

"Returning to speed" implies a previous state of normal operation that was interrupted, while "getting up to speed" refers to reaching a required level of competence or velocity from a starting point.