returning to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returning to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of going back to one's job or professional duties after a break or absence. Example: "After a long vacation, I am excited about returning to work next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People are returning to work.

The New York Times

Some strikers had begun returning to work in recent days.

The New York Times

"Ms Shoesmith will not be returning to work in Haringey.

Independent

Few expressed hope of returning to work anytime soon.

The New York Times

He's doing well and looks forward to returning to work".

Independent

After returning to work, Mr. Peek faced a growing scandal.

The New York Times

After returning to work, Timms reviewed his security arrangements.

The Guardian

Returning to work, he says, was a lifeline.

The Guardian

Taking a career break and returning to work.

The Guardian

The stress of returning to work is not just psychological.

The New York Times - Travel

Was your experience of returning to work good or bad?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the transition after a career break, explicitly mention the support systems available to ease the process of "returning to work".

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the logistical aspects of "returning to work". Acknowledge and address the potential anxieties and emotional adjustments involved in the transition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning to work" primarily functions as a gerund phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the action of going back to one's job after a period of absence, effectively acting as a noun in many sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "returning to work" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to describe the action of resuming employment after a break. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase holds a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. Understanding the emotional and logistical aspects of this transition is crucial, and alternative phrases like "going back to work" or "resuming work" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going back to work

This alternative uses simpler language, replacing "returning" with "going back", resulting in a more informal tone.

coming back to work

Similar to "going back to work", but with a slightly more personal or emotional connotation.

resuming work

This phrase replaces "returning" with "resuming", emphasizing the continuation of work rather than the act of going back.

back to work

A concise way of expressing the return to employment, often used in commands or announcements.

resuming professional duties

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the responsibilities of the job.

re-entering the workforce

This phrase focuses on the broader act of joining the workforce again, implying a more significant break or change.

restarting employment

Focuses on the act of starting employment again, after a period of absence.

getting back on the job

This is a more colloquial expression, suggesting a return to specific tasks or duties.

reporting back to work

This phrase implies a formal return, often after an absence or assignment.

getting back to business

This idiom suggests a return to normal operations and productivity.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "going back to work", "resuming work", or "re-entering the workforce" depending on the context.

How to use "returning to work" in a sentence?

You can use "returning to work" to describe the action of going back to employment after a break, for example: "After a long vacation, I am looking forward to returning to work."

Which is correct, "returning to work" or "return to work"?

"Returning to work" is a gerund phrase that acts as a noun, while "return to work" is an imperative or infinitive form. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the context. For example, "returning to work" can act as the subject of a sentence, as in "Returning to work can be stressful."

What are some challenges associated with "returning to work" after a career break?

Some challenges include adjusting to the work environment, updating skills, managing work-life balance, and overcoming potential biases or perceptions related to the break.