returning to the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refocus the discussion on a specific topic or issue that was previously mentioned. Example: "After discussing various aspects of the project, I would like to return to the matter of our budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When I called Mr. Goldin last week and asked him what characteristics a good comptroller must possess, he kept returning to the matter of "social conscience".

The New York Times

Returning to the matter of the loss of career ladders, Davis convincingly explains (2016a, p.127-149) how the decline in the number of multi-tiered companies has contributed to rising inequality and declining upward mobility.

Journal of Organization Design

Note: if a casual rapport-building question triggers an emotionally charged response, just acknowledge that and go back to safer waters, with the option of returning to the matter later.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Brydon is keen to return to the matter of Warren Beatty.

The Guardian

Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat of New York, returns to the matter of the "London loophole".

The New York Times

Scotland's Parliament will return to the matter on September 2nd.

The Economist

He returns to the matter of chance like a koan, and sees that "randomness can be complexity too deep to understand".

The New York Times - Books

"Injury?" Booker said, drawing out the word, and then he returned to the matter of all those asthmatic kids in Oklahoma.

The New Yorker

When Mr. Dvorin wrings the predictable romantic plot dry, he awkwardly returns to the matter of Jenny's dead boyfriend and tries for a murder-mystery side plot, but you're unlikely to care.

The New York Times

When Tynan returned to the matter in hand, asking Sartre if 'an author of extreme right-wing views could ever succeed in creating a work of art', he received a plain answer 'in my opinion, no'.

The Guardian - Film

On Sunday (18 November), the paper returned to the matter with a news story headlined "Former DG feels heat over lawyers' letter" which said: "The former BBC director-general missed warnings about alleged child abuse committed on BBC premises by Jimmy Savile and other stars".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While generally suitable for formal and semi-formal settings, it may sound overly formal in very casual conversations. Choose a more relaxed alternative like "getting back to the subject" in those cases.

Common error

Avoid using "returning to the matter" too frequently in a short piece of writing or conversation. This can make your text sound repetitive and unnatural. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or transitioning smoothly without explicitly stating you are returning to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to the matter" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a refocus on a previously discussed subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's generally considered grammatically correct and serves to bring the conversation or writing back to a central point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returning to the matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used transitional phrase that indicates a refocus back to a previously discussed topic. While Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is acceptable for a variety of uses, it is essential to consider the context and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "revisiting the issue" or "getting back to the subject" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. It is most frequently encountered in news media and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revisiting the issue

This alternative uses a more concise wording while maintaining the core meaning of going back to a topic.

getting back to the subject

This alternative employs a more informal tone by using the phrasal verb "getting back".

referring back to the point

This phrase emphasizes the act of referencing a specific point previously made.

picking up where we left off

This alternative suggests a direct continuation of a previous discussion.

coming back to the question

This option highlights the specific nature of revisiting a question.

turning back to the topic

This alternative uses "turning" instead of "returning", slightly altering the imagery.

addressing the matter again

This phrase emphasizes the act of dealing with the issue a second time.

re-examining the situation

This alternative suggests a more thorough review of the topic at hand.

getting back on track

This option shifts the focus slightly to regaining focus after a detour.

to resume the discussion

This alternative uses a more formal phrasing and emphasizes the continuation of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "returning to the matter" in a sentence?

"Returning to the matter" is used to indicate a shift back to a previously discussed topic. For example: "After that digression, let's return to the matter of budget allocation."

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

You can use alternatives like "revisiting the issue", "getting back to the subject", or "referring back to the point depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "returning to the matter" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "returning to the matter" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using a more relaxed phrase like "getting back to the subject" or "anyway" in such situations.

What is the difference between "returning to the matter" and "addressing the matter again"?

"Returning to the matter" implies a previous discussion that was interrupted, whereas "addressing the matter again" simply means dealing with the issue at a later time, without necessarily implying an interruption. The first implies a round-trip journey.