When writing an essay, it is important to establish proper transitions between ideas or paragraphs. One commonly used phrase to transition from one point and return to a previous idea is “going back to.” This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this phrase, as well as some useful tips and examples to improve your writing.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
Formal language is typically used in academic writing, professional settings, or when addressing an unknown audience. Here are a few ways to say “going back to” formally:
- Returning to: This is a straightforward and commonly used expression to indicate the return to a previous point. For example, “Returning to the main thesis, it is evident that…”
- Revisiting the topic of: This phrase implies the act of going back and taking another look at the topic that was previously mentioned. For instance, “Revisiting the topic of climate change, new research has revealed…”
- Recapping: This term denotes a concise summary or review of previous points. For example, “Recapping the main arguments, it is clear that…”
- Refocusing on: This expression highlights the action of shifting attention back to a specific topic or idea. For instance, “Refocusing on the initial question, we can see that…”
- Returning our attention to: This phrase indicates the act of redirecting one’s focus back to a particular subject. For example, “Returning our attention to the main issue at hand, it is important to consider…”
2. Informal Expressions
Informal language is typically used in casual writing, personal essays, or when addressing a familiar audience. Here are some informal ways to say “going back to”:
- But getting back to: This phrase is often used in conversations or personal reflections. For example, “But getting back to what I was saying earlier, it’s important to address…”
- Anyway, returning to: Using “anyway” adds a conversational tone and implies that you are circling back to a previous point. For instance, “Anyway, returning to the main argument, it is crucial to consider…”
- Let’s revisit: This expression invites the reader to review or reconsider a topic mentioned earlier. For example, “Let’s revisit the issue of social media and its impact on society…”
- Now, back to: This phrase suggests a return to the original focus or topic. An example could be, “Now, back to our main question, let’s explore…”
- Reanalyzing the point: This informal phrase conveys that you are taking another look at a specific point. For instance, “Reanalyzing the point we made earlier, it becomes evident that…”
3. Examples and Tips for Usage
Here are some additional examples and tips to help you use “going back to” effectively in your essay:
- Example 1: “Going back to the initial hypothesis, the experiment results confirmed…”
- Example 2: “At this juncture, we must return to the key concept of social justice…”
- Example 3: “Let’s go back to the fundamental question: what is the purpose of education?”
- Example 4: “Now, returning to the case study, we can analyze the implications…”
- Tip 1: The use of “going back to” should be purposeful and enhance the flow of your essay. Avoid overusing it, as it can become repetitive.
- Tip 2: Consider using synonyms or alternative transitional phrases to add variety and coherence to your writing. For instance, “revisiting,” “reestablishing,” or “bringing back.”
- Tip 3: Ensure your essay’s structure supports the need to go back to previous points. A well-organized outline and logical flow will facilitate the use of transitional phrases effectively.
- Tip 4: Read your essay aloud or ask someone to review it, focusing on transitions. This exercise will help you identify areas where “going back to” could enhance clarity.
“Going back to adds an element of coherence and allows the writer to revisit ideas, providing a clearer path for the reader.” – Writing Expert
By employing these formal and informal expressions, along with the provided tips and examples, you can effectively incorporate “going back to” into your essay. Remember, the goal is to create a smooth transition and maintain a warm tone throughout your writing. Practice using these phrases, and soon you will master the art of seamless transitions in your essays.
