win back

USAGE SUMMARY

"win back" is a valid phrase in written English and can be used in many different contexts.
For example, "The company has launched a campaign to win back customers who have recently left the service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"How can it win back its business?

The New York Times

Trust is tough to win back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is he trying to win back his literary cred?

The New Yorker

He is just trying to win back people's trust.

The Economist

Players can win back the money in shooting games.

The New York Times

Volkswagen has to win back confidence," he said.

Independent

So what must Labour do to win back trust?

Independent

He might have to spend more to win back customers.

The Economist

But he must also win back Alberta voters.

The Economist

To win back market confidence, Elan must move quickly.

The New York Times

Few suitors win back a lost love by sulking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "win back" when you want to emphasize the effort required to recover something lost, whether it's a relationship, trust, or a competition. It implies a conscious and determined effort to regain what was lost.

Common error

While "win back" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "recover", "regain", or "reclaim" depending on the specific context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "win back" is that of a phrasal verb, typically functioning as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of regaining something that was previously lost. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "win back" is a phrasal verb commonly used to describe the action of regaining something that was lost, be it tangible or intangible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "regain" or "recover" in highly professional or academic settings. The phrase is neutral in tone, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. When writing, remember to focus on the effort needed to recover something lost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get back

A more general and informal way of saying to recover something.

regain

Emphasizes the process of getting something back to a previous state or position.

recover

Focuses on the act of getting something back, emphasizing restoration.

restore

Highlights bringing back to a previous, better condition.

reclaim

Suggests a more assertive act of taking back something that was once rightfully yours.

reacquire

Highlights the act of obtaining something again, often after a period of absence.

recapture

Implies a more forceful or strategic effort to regain control or possession.

retrieve

Focuses on the act of finding and bringing something back.

reconquer

Implies winning something back through significant effort or struggle, like territory.

reestablish

Focuses on restoring something to a former condition or position, such as trust or a relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "win back" in a sentence?

You can use "win back" to describe regaining something lost. For example, "The company is trying to "win back" customers after the data breach" or "He is trying to "win back" her affection after their argument".

What's a more formal alternative to "win back"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "regain", "recover", or "reclaim", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "win back" someone's trust?

To "win back" someone's trust means to regain their confidence and belief in you after it has been damaged or lost, usually through actions that demonstrate reliability and honesty over time.

Is "winning back" the same as "winning over"?

No, "winning back" implies regaining something already possessed but lost, while "winning over" means gaining someone's support or affection for the first time.