returning to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refocus the discussion or argument back to the main topic after a digression. Example: "After discussing various aspects of the project, I would like to return to the point about budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But, returning to the point, it added, Germany "is nevertheless more vulnerable to large shocks".

The New York Times

But he kept returning to the point about the 2015 review.

The Guardian

Rory was fastidious about returning to the point he left off, although he was forced to take one large jump.

The New Yorker

Last season, for instance, Mr. Jacobs ordered up a brushed gold set inspired by an antique bronze chandelier, and that resembled a nuclear reactor, and had the models exit from individual doors, circulating and returning to the point of origin.

The New York Times

Mr. Rove also said the nation may be "returning to the point in America where fundamentalists and evangelicals remain true to their beliefs and think politics is corrupt and therefore shouldn't participate".

The New York Times

Returning to the point, simply put: to my mind, biopics - perhaps by definition -- play too fast and loose with their subjects.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Later, Ritter returned to the point.

The New Yorker

He returned to the point unprompted a half-hour later.

The New York Times

However – I return to the point I've made before.

The Guardian - Books

Sexton returned to the point in his conclusion.

The Guardian - Books

The president even returned to the point, unbidden, when he closed the 74-minute news conference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returning to the point" to smoothly transition back to the main topic after a digression, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing or conversation. This helps maintain coherence and prevents the audience from losing sight of the central argument.

Common error

Avoid using "returning to the point" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and interrupt the flow. Instead, use varied transitional phrases or simply reintroduce the topic without explicitly stating you are "returning" to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to the point" serves as a transitional phrase, indicating a shift back to the central topic after a deviation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the subsequent clause by signaling a change in focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returning to the point" is a grammatically correct and commonly used transitional phrase that effectively signals a shift back to the central topic. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it serves to maintain clarity and coherence in both written and spoken discourse. As Ludwig confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and professional communications. The phrase helps refocus the audience's attention and reinforces the central message after digressions or interruptions. While useful, it should not be overused to prevent repetition and maintain a smooth flow of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverting to the subject

Implies going back to the original topic, similar to "returning to the point".

getting back to the topic

Focuses on resuming the discussion on the topic at hand.

revisiting the main idea

Highlights a return to the central concept or argument.

coming back to the issue

Suggests a renewed focus on a specific problem or concern.

focusing again on the subject

Emphasizes refocusing attention on the primary subject matter.

picking up where we left off

Indicates resuming a discussion from a previous interruption.

let's get back on track

Suggests a need to redirect a discussion that has strayed from its original focus.

to reiterate the central theme

A more formal way of saying to emphasize the main point.

as i was saying

Used to smoothly transition back to a previous point after an interruption.

in any case

Used to signal a return to the main subject after a digression.

FAQs

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

You can use "returning to the point" to redirect a conversation or piece of writing back to its main topic after a digression. For example, "After discussing the side effects, let's return to the point about the drug's effectiveness."

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

You can use alternatives like "getting back to the topic", "reverting to the subject", or "to reiterate the central theme" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "returning to the point"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "returning to the point". It serves as a transitional phrase to guide the reader or listener back to the main subject.

What is the difference between "returning to the point" and "in conclusion"?

"Returning to the point" is used to refocus the discussion on the main topic after a digression, while "in conclusion" is used to summarize the main arguments and bring the discussion to an end.