returning to the game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to the game" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a player or participant who is re-entering a game or activity after a break or interruption. Example: "After a brief injury, the athlete is now returning to the game, ready to contribute to the team's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

McCoy missed two plays before returning to the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Tiger has won three times since returning to the game in March.

Independent

Wiggins said the discovery of a corpse would not deter her from returning to the game.

The Guardian - Tech

Sharapova has occasionally struggled with her serve since returning to the game from shoulder surgery in 2009.

The New York Times - Sports

He changed his style of play after returning to the game six months ago after a bout with hepatitis.

The New York Times - Sports

Returning to the game last year, I was struck by how assessment for learning has become a viral philosophy.

The Guardian

His sister said he would have been ecstatic to hear that his beloved basketball star was returning to the game.

The New York Times

He missed most of the first half after landing on his right shoulder, but he surprised even Edsall by returning to the game and scoring a touchdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Betts, who spent four and a half years with Gloucester, is not the only former Great Britain star returning to the game at this level.

Independent

Woods has faced intense scrutiny since returning to the game after a self-imposed break to deal with issues surrounding his acknowledged adultery.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's returning to the game-making world with a team that has worked on titles like Grand Theft Auto, Diablo II and Dead Space 2 & 3. "We wanted to basically create what we thought were real games.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about an athlete's return after an injury, use "returning to the game" to emphasize their renewed participation and contribution to the team. This term resonates well with sports enthusiasts and general audiences alike.

Common error

While "returning to the game" is a valid expression, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "making a comeback" or "rejoining the team" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to the game" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of someone re-engaging in a previously ceased activity, often in a sporting context. It is also used in other contexts, like returning to a previously used software/game. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returning to the game" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes the act of re-engaging in an activity after a period of absence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. For variety in writing, related phrases such as "making a comeback" or "rejoining the team" can be used. Keep in mind to choose the correct phrase depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming back to the game

Uses a more informal verb, "coming", suggesting a less formal tone than "returning".

rejoining the game

Emphasizes the act of joining again, highlighting integration into an existing activity.

resuming play

Specifically refers to restarting a game or match after an interruption.

making a comeback

Implies overcoming adversity or a previous decline in performance.

getting back in the game

An idiomatic expression suggesting a renewed involvement in an activity, often after a period of absence.

re-entering the competition

Highlights the competitive aspect and the act of entering again.

going back to playing

Focuses on the act of playing, implying a return to active participation.

reassuming participation

A more formal way of saying returning to an activity, suggesting a renewed commitment.

picking up where one left off

Suggests a seamless continuation of an activity from a prior state.

recommencing the match

Specifically denotes the restarting of a match or competition, often after a pause.

FAQs

How to use "returning to the game" in a sentence?

You can use "returning to the game" to describe someone rejoining an activity after a break, for example: "After recovering from his injury, the quarterback is "returning to the game" this Sunday."

What can I say instead of "returning to the game"?

You can use alternatives like "making a comeback", "rejoining the team", or "resuming play" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "returning to the game" or "returning in the game"?

"Returning to the game" is the correct and more common phrase. "Returning in the game" is grammatically incorrect and not typically used.

What's the difference between "returning to the game" and "getting back in the game"?

"Returning to the game" is more formal and generally refers to a planned or expected return. "Getting back in the game" is more informal and can imply a more challenging or unexpected return.