rewind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rewind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of reversing a recording or playback to an earlier point, often in the context of audio or video media. Example: "If you missed that part of the movie, just rewind and watch it again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lower-ability groups responded particularly well, possibly because they enjoyed the different format, and being able to pause or rewind without embarrassment.

The Guardian

You don't get to rewind the tape.

The Guardian

Rewind a few years, and we had bipartisan agreement on key policies for resources and carbon management.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked if he felt he should have been elected leader in 2010, he said: "For my own sanity, there's no point trying to press the rewind button in life.

The Guardian

Also doing a reasonable directorial impersonation is A Thousand Times Good Night (Arrow Films, 15): a sensitive, somewhat simplistic melodrama about a combat-zone photojournalist (an excellent Juliette Binoche) facing the war at home, it's so worthily Susanne Bier-y that I had to rewind to check the Dane's name wasn't in the credits.

The Guardian - Film

It allows viewers to jump from track to track and rewind instantly.

The Economist

They are offering digital video recorders that allow subscribers to pause and rewind live programmes and record an entire series with a single click of the remote control.

The Economist

That makes it possible not just to skip to any point of a taped show in a split-second, but also to rewind live television: because hard disks are so fast, they can tape and play back at the same time.

The Economist

Mr Putin prospers as the drama's producer and leading man; he cannot rewind the narrative in such a way as to extricate himself.But the audience's enthusiasm does not mean it wants to pay to keep watching.

The Economist

But if Glass is a hit it will be another step on the way to a world where those who wish to can record, rewind and rewatch more of what they see more easily and where everyone else can end up recorded as part of the process.Thanks to digital technology the world is replete with cheap and highly capable cameras.

The Economist

Should a virus crash the system, the administrator can rewind it and fix the problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rewind" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates a return to a previous state, situation, or idea. For instance, "Let's rewind to our initial strategy" is more effective when discussing project planning.

Common error

Avoid using "rewind" when referring to something that cannot be reversed or revisited in a temporal sense. For example, instead of saying "Rewind your decision", consider "Reconsider your decision" if the decision is not yet final.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rewind" is as a verb, indicating the action of winding something back or returning to a previous point in time or a recording. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act or mechanism of rewinding, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rewind" is grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly in the news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it primarily functions as a verb indicating a return to a previous state or as a noun referring to the mechanism of rewinding. It's a versatile word applicable in various contexts, from pausing live television to re-evaluating past strategies. To enhance clarity, especially when used metaphorically, make sure that the context clearly indicates a return to a previous state, situation, or idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back

Refers to returning to a previous state or action, similar to reversing a process.

reverse

Indicates a change to the opposite direction or state, akin to undoing something.

retrace

Implies going back over a path or series of events.

revisit

Suggests returning to a topic or place for further consideration or examination.

recall

Focuses on bringing something back to memory or consciousness.

flashback

Describes a sudden and vivid memory of an event in the past.

turn back time

Expresses the wish to return to a previous time or event.

recap

Suggests summarizing or reviewing previous information.

reflect

Implies thinking deeply or carefully about something, often from the past.

relive

Describes experiencing something again, often in one's memory or imagination.

FAQs

How can I use "rewind" in a sentence?

You can use "rewind" to describe the act of reversing a recording, as in "Please rewind the tape to the beginning". Metaphorically, it can mean revisiting a past event or decision, like "Let's rewind and think about what went wrong".

What are some alternatives to using "rewind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "go back", "revisit", or "retrace" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "rewind" in a business context?

Yes, "rewind" can be used in business contexts to refer to revisiting previous strategies or decisions. For example: "Let's rewind and analyze last quarter's marketing campaign to identify areas for improvement".

What does it mean when someone says "rewind the clock"?

Saying "rewind the clock" means to return to a previous time or situation. It's often used when someone wishes to undo a past event or make different choices. It implies the impossibility of actually going back in time.