stage a comeback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stage a comeback" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something returns to a previous successful state after a period of decline or failure. Example: "After a tough season, the team managed to stage a comeback and win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is how to stage a comeback.

The Guardian - Sport

Is stagflation about to stage a comeback?

The New York Times

The "Friday night drop" might stage a comeback.

The New York Times

Still, Rossi knows how to stage a comeback.

The Guardian - Sport

But his proposals have helped the party stage a comeback.

The New York Times

The film follows his efforts to stage a comeback at the Public Theater.

The New York Times

A movie actress down on her luck tries hard to stage a comeback.

The New Yorker

Their ascendance has rekindled hope that organized labor maybe, just maybe, could stage a comeback.

The New York Times

Bosoms did not stage a comeback in the streamlined 1930s, except among Hollywood screen idols.

The New York Times

IS PEN computing, a promising technology that foundered in the 1990s, about to stage a comeback?

The Economist

And an old form of communication may stage a comeback in a different form.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stage a comeback" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and noticeable return to a previous state of success or popularity after a period of decline. For instance, "The company is trying to stage a comeback with its new product line."

Common error

Avoid using "stage a comeback" when referring to minor improvements or slight upturns. This phrase is best suited for situations where there has been a significant decline followed by a substantial effort to recover.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stage a comeback" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used with a subject to describe an action of returning to prominence or success after a period of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stage a comeback" is a very common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe a return to success after a period of decline. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, especially in news, business, and sports. The phrase has a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional writing. While alternative phrases like "mount a recovery" and "bounce back" exist, "stage a comeback" specifically emphasizes the deliberate and noticeable effort involved in regaining prominence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mount a recovery

This alternative emphasizes the effort and process involved in returning to a better state.

engineer a turnaround

Highlights the strategic and deliberate actions taken to reverse a negative trend.

bounce back

Implies a quick and resilient return from a setback.

make a resurgence

Focuses on the renewed visibility and strength of something that had faded.

rally

Suggests a sudden burst of energy or effort leading to improvement.

recover lost ground

Highlights regaining what was previously lost or diminished.

turn the tide

Indicates a significant shift from a negative situation to a positive one.

rebound

A general term for recovering from a decline.

come from behind

Emphasizes overcoming a disadvantage to achieve success.

make a recovery

Focuses on the act of healing or returning to a normal state.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stage a comeback"?

To "stage a comeback" means to return to a previous level of success or popularity after a period of decline or obscurity. It implies a deliberate effort to regain prominence.

How can I use "stage a comeback" in a sentence?

You can use "stage a comeback" to describe a person, team, product, or idea that is regaining popularity or success after a period of decline. For example, "The band is attempting to "make a resurgence" after years of inactivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "stage a comeback"?

Alternatives to "stage a comeback" include "mount a recovery", "bounce back", or ""make a resurgence"". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stage a comeback" in formal writing?

Yes, "stage a comeback" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or news contexts. However, consider alternatives like "engineer a turnaround" for a more professional tone.