B2 Expression 격식체 5분 분량

Returning to my earlier point

Presentation and public speaking expression

Use this phrase to reconnect your current thought to a previous point for maximum clarity.

15초 만에

  • Brings the focus back to a previously mentioned topic.
  • Essential for professional presentations and structured meetings.
  • Helps organize thoughts and maintain control after interruptions.

This phrase is used to return to a topic you mentioned previously in a conversation or presentation. It helps you reconnect your current thought to an earlier idea to make your point clearer.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

In a business meeting

Returning to my earlier point, we need to increase the marketing budget by 10%.

Returning to my earlier point, we need to increase the marketing budget by 10%.

💼
2

Giving a keynote speech

Returning to my earlier point about innovation, let's look at this case study.

Returning to my earlier point about innovation, let's look at this case study.

👔
3

Debating with a friend

Returning to my earlier point, I am definitely the better Mario Kart player.

Returning to my earlier point, I am definitely the better Mario Kart player.

😄
🌍

문화적 배경

In English-speaking professional environments, linear logic and 'closing the loop' are highly valued. This phrase demonstrates that the speaker is organized and respects the audience's time by keeping the narrative focused. It is a hallmark of Western 'low-context' communication where clarity is prioritized over nuance.

💡

Handle Interruptions

Use this phrase to gracefully take back control if someone interrupts you during a meeting.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this more than twice in a short talk, you might sound repetitive or disorganized.

15초 만에

  • Brings the focus back to a previously mentioned topic.
  • Essential for professional presentations and structured meetings.
  • Helps organize thoughts and maintain control after interruptions.

What It Means

This phrase acts like a mental bookmark for your listeners. You use it to revisit a topic you mentioned before. It helps your audience follow your logical train of thought. It shows you are organized and have a clear plan. Think of it as a bridge between two different ideas. It connects what you are saying now to something older. This makes your overall message feel much more cohesive. It is like saying, "Remember that important thing I said?" It keeps the conversation focused on your main goals. You are essentially looping back to a previous highlight. It prevents people from getting lost in a long talk. It reminds everyone why the current topic actually matters. You are tying all your thoughts into one neat package. It is a very powerful tool for any confident speaker.

How To Use It

Place this phrase right at the start of your sentence. Follow it immediately with a short summary of your point. You can use it to transition between two different slides. It works perfectly after you answer a quick audience question. Use it to bring the focus back after a distraction. It signals to everyone that you are back on track. Keep the follow-up explanation very brief and very clear. You do not want to repeat the whole speech again. Just give a small reminder of the core idea. It acts as a signpost for the people listening. Make sure to pause slightly after you say the phrase. This gives people a second to remember the previous topic. Then, continue with your new information or your conclusion. It makes the transition feel very smooth and very natural.

When To Use It

Use it during a formal work presentation or speech. It is very effective in a long business meeting. Use it if a colleague interrupts your flow of thought. It helps you regain control of the room's attention. You can use it when debating a topic with friends. It is great for long stories that have many details. Use it in an email to reference a previous paragraph. It works well when you are teaching a complex lesson. Use it to emphasize a point that is very important. It makes you sound like a very confident speaker. Use it when you want to summarize a long discussion. It is perfect for the Q and A session afterwards. Use it to show that you have been listening carefully. It helps link different parts of a conversation together easily.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it in very short or casual chats. It sounds a bit too stiff for a quick "hello." Do not use it if you have not spoken yet. That would be very confusing for your poor listener. Do not use it five times in one minute. You will start to sound like a broken record. Avoid it if the previous point was not actually important. Only use it for things that truly matter to you. It is not needed for simple, one-step instructions. Keep it for more complex or multi-part conversations. Don't use it if the topic has changed completely. It might make you seem like you are stuck in the past. Avoid it if you are just making small talk. It is too formal for talking about the weather.

Cultural Background

English speakers value clear and very linear communication styles. We really like to "close the loop" on our topics. This phrase signals that you are a professional person. It shows deep respect for your listener's time and energy. In Western business, being organized is a sign of respect. We often use "spatial" metaphors for our speech patterns. We "go back," "move forward," or "circle around" ideas. This phrase fits perfectly into that logical mental map. It is a staple of corporate culture in many countries. It helps maintain order in high-stakes environments. It reflects a culture that prizes efficiency and clear logic. Using it shows you have a strong command of English. It is a sign of a high-level, sophisticated communicator. It is common in both British and American professional settings.

Common Variations

You can say To circle back in a meeting. Try As I mentioned earlier for a softer feel. Going back to my point is a bit more casual. Revisiting my previous comment is very formal and serious. You might also hear In line with what I said. To reiterate my earlier point is another strong option. Each variation changes the level of formality slightly. Pick the one that fits your specific social setting. As I was saying is great after an interruption. These all help keep the conversation moving forward smoothly. To go back to what I was saying is friendly. Like I said before is common in very casual talks. Building on my previous point adds a layer of growth. Choose your variation based on who you are talking to.

사용 참고사항

This is a professional-grade transition. Use it to sound organized in meetings, but avoid it in casual 'small talk' where it can feel overly stiff.

💡

Handle Interruptions

Use this phrase to gracefully take back control if someone interrupts you during a meeting.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this more than twice in a short talk, you might sound repetitive or disorganized.

💬

The 'Circle Back' Secret

In US office culture, 'Let's circle back' is a very common way to say 'Let's talk about this later.'

예시

6
#1 In a business meeting
💼

Returning to my earlier point, we need to increase the marketing budget by 10%.

Returning to my earlier point, we need to increase the marketing budget by 10%.

Used to re-emphasize a core requirement after a discussion.

#2 Giving a keynote speech
👔

Returning to my earlier point about innovation, let's look at this case study.

Returning to my earlier point about innovation, let's look at this case study.

Used as a transition between a theory and a practical example.

#3 Debating with a friend
😄

Returning to my earlier point, I am definitely the better Mario Kart player.

Returning to my earlier point, I am definitely the better Mario Kart player.

Used humorously to sound overly formal during a silly argument.

#4 Texting a colleague
😊

Returning to my earlier point... did you ever find that missing file?

Returning to my earlier point... did you ever find that missing file?

Used to bring up a question that was ignored in a previous text.

#5 A serious conversation with a partner
💭

Returning to my earlier point, I just want us to communicate better.

Returning to my earlier point, I just want us to communicate better.

Used to ground an emotional conversation in a central theme.

#6 Explaining a task to a neighbor
🤝

Returning to my earlier point, the key is hidden under the blue flowerpot.

Returning to my earlier point, the key is hidden under the blue flowerpot.

Used to ensure a critical piece of information is remembered.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence to transition back to a previous topic.

___, the deadline for the project is actually this Friday, not next Monday.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Returning to my earlier point

The full phrase 'Returning to my earlier point' is the standard idiomatic way to start this transition.

In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?

Which scenario best fits this phrase?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Giving a 20-minute presentation at work

This phrase is designed for structured, longer-form communication like presentations.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality Spectrum of 'Returning to my earlier point'

Casual

Used with friends for long stories.

Like I said before...

Neutral

Standard office talk.

Going back to my point...

Professional

Meetings and emails.

Returning to my earlier point...

Formal

Speeches and academic lectures.

Revisiting my previous comment...

When to use 'Returning to my earlier point'

Returning to my earlier point
📊

Work Presentation

Linking a chart back to a goal.

💼

Boardroom Meeting

Reclaiming the floor after an interruption.

📱

Long Text Thread

Reminding someone of a question.

🎓

Academic Debate

Connecting evidence to a thesis.

🗣️

Detailed Storytelling

Returning to the main plot.

자주 묻는 질문

12 질문

It means you are going back to a topic you discussed earlier in the conversation. For example, Returning to my earlier point, we need more coffee.

Yes, it is quite formal. It is best suited for business meetings, giving a speech, or serious debates.

Yes, you can use it to remind someone of an earlier message. It helps clarify the context in a long thread.

To circle back is a very common variation. You will hear this often in modern corporate environments.

Avoid it in very short, casual greetings. It sounds a bit too serious for a simple 'hi' or 'how are you?'

No, it usually sounds organized rather than bossy. It shows you are keeping track of the discussion logic.

Yes, it works well in academic writing. It helps link different paragraphs together for the reader's benefit.

If you forget, just say As I was saying. It is a bit more flexible and sounds more natural if you are stuck.

You can just say Returning to my point. Adding earlier makes it sound slightly more precise and professional.

Use it at the very beginning of your sentence. Follow it with a comma to ensure the best flow for the listener.

Yes, it is used in all major English dialects. It is a standard professional expression across the globe.

It is better used to restart after you were interrupted. It is a polite way to bring the focus back to your topic.

관련 표현

To circle back

To return to a topic later in a meeting or discussion.

As I mentioned before

A softer way to remind someone of a point you already made.

To reiterate

To say something again to emphasize its importance.

In line with what I said

To show how a new idea matches an old one.

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