To return to the subject

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts as a bridge. You might say, "I love their coffee, but to return to the subject, the meeting starts at ten." It works best after a short detour or a funny story. Use it to show you value the listener's time. It helps keep long discussions from turning into a mess of random thoughts.

This is a superstar in professional settings. Use it during a business meeting when a colleague starts talking about their weekend. Use it in an essay to link a specific example back to your main argument. It also works great in long catch-ups with friends. If you spend twenty minutes talking about a cat video, use this to get back to the important news. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.

Avoid this if the conversation is very short. If you only said two sentences, you don't need a "return" bridge. It can sound a bit stiff or robotic in very casual texting. Don't use it to rudely cut someone off. If they are still talking, wait for a pause. Using it too often makes it seem like you can't stay focused. Use it once or twice per conversation for the best effect.

English-speaking cultures, especially in business, often value "linear" communication. This means people like to move from point A to point B without too many loops. While small talk is common, there is a hidden pressure to "get to the point." This phrase is a tool to respect that cultural norm. It signals that you are a disciplined communicator who respects the agenda.

You will often hear to get back to the point or anyway, as I was saying. In very formal writing, you might see returning to the matter at hand. If you are with close friends, you might just say anyway or back to reality. All of these serve the same purpose. They are the glue that keeps a logical conversation together.