turn back to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'turn back to' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could write, "After I had gone astray, I had to turn back to the path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I turn back to Desi.

The New Yorker

We turn back to mine.

Independent

You turn back to the flyer.

The New Yorker

I turn back to Rosie.

The New York Times - Books

We turn back to football.

The Guardian - Sport

Finance workers turn back to their screens.

The Guardian - Business

I'll turn back to Turnbull now.

The Guardian

So let's turn back to pop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Time to turn back to life.

The Guardian - Arts

Very soon, it has to turn back to peace-seeking.

The Economist

Maybe subconsciously, there are some experiences they turn back to".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn back to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned to, whether it's a physical location, a topic of discussion, or a previous state or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "turn back to" without clearly specifying the destination. Ensure the sentence provides sufficient context for the reader to understand what is being returned to.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turn back to" primarily functions as a verb of movement and reversion, indicating a return to a previous state, topic, or location. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, confirming its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "turn back to" signifies a return to a previous state, topic, or location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned to. Alternatives like "revert to" or "return to" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "turn back to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to

Indicates a return to a previous state, practice, or topic.

return to

Emphasizes the act of going back physically or conceptually.

go back to

A more colloquial way of expressing a return.

reconsider

Suggests thinking again about something, possibly implying a change of mind.

resume

Implies restarting an activity or discussion after an interruption.

re-examine

Highlights a more in-depth review or investigation.

redirect attention to

Focuses on shifting focus back to a specific subject.

circle back to

A business-oriented phrase for revisiting a topic later.

retrace steps

Suggests going back to a previous method or decision-making process.

think again about

Emphasizes reflection and reconsideration of something.

FAQs

How can I use "turn back to" in a sentence?

You can use "turn back to" to indicate a return to a previous topic, location, or state. For example, "After exploring new strategies, we decided to "turn back to" our original plan".

What are some alternatives to "turn back to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "revert to", "return to", or "go back to".

Is it correct to say "turning back to"?

Yes, "turning back to" is a grammatically correct present participle form of the phrasal verb, often used to describe an ongoing or habitual action. For instance, "He's always "turning back to" his old habits when stressed".

What's the difference between "turn back to" and "refer back to"?

"Turn back to" generally indicates a return to something, while "refer back to" suggests referencing or consulting something previously mentioned. The first implies a change in direction, the second implies a revisiting of information.