To return to the subject
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use this phrase to gracefully end a tangent and refocus on your main message.
Em 15 segundos
- A verbal bridge used to get back to the main topic.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, or long stories with friends.
- Shows you are organized and respect the listener's time.
Significado
This phrase is like a verbal U-turn. Use it when you realize you've started talking about something random and want to get back to the main point of the conversation.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6In a business meeting
The coffee here is great, but to return to the subject, we need to finalize the budget.
The coffee here is great, but to return to the subject, we need to finalize the budget.
Texting a friend about a trip
I forgot to mention the flight was late, but to return to the subject, the hotel was amazing!
I forgot to mention the flight was late, but to return to the subject, the hotel was amazing!
Writing an academic essay
To return to the subject of economic growth, we must examine the latest trade data.
To return to the subject of economic growth, we must examine the latest trade data.
Contexto cultural
In Western academic and professional circles, staying 'on track' is seen as a sign of intelligence and respect. This phrase became a standard discourse marker to help speakers navigate complex arguments without losing their audience. It reflects a cultural preference for structured, goal-oriented dialogue.
The 'Anyway' Shortcut
In casual speech, you can just say 'Anyway' with a slight pause. It does the same job as the full phrase but feels much more relaxed.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase every two minutes, people might think you are reading from a script. Save it for when you've genuinely wandered off-topic.
Em 15 segundos
- A verbal bridge used to get back to the main topic.
- Perfect for meetings, essays, or long stories with friends.
- Shows you are organized and respect the listener's time.
What It Means
Imagine you are driving. You take a wrong turn and end up in a parking lot. You need to get back on the highway. To return to the subject is that steering wheel maneuver. It tells your listeners, "Hey, I know I got distracted, but let's focus again." It is a polite way to reset the conversation. It shows you are aware that you wandered off-topic.
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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.
Cultural Background
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.
Common Variations
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.
Notas de uso
This phrase is most effective in C1-level discourse where complex ideas require clear signposting. It sits comfortably in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register and is a hallmark of structured English communication.
The 'Anyway' Shortcut
In casual speech, you can just say 'Anyway' with a slight pause. It does the same job as the full phrase but feels much more relaxed.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this phrase every two minutes, people might think you are reading from a script. Save it for when you've genuinely wandered off-topic.
The Polite Interruption
In the UK and US, using this phrase is a polite way to stop someone else's tangent without being rude. It signals 'I'm listening, but we have work to do.'
Exemplos
6The coffee here is great, but to return to the subject, we need to finalize the budget.
The coffee here is great, but to return to the subject, we need to finalize the budget.
Used to pivot from small talk back to the official agenda.
I forgot to mention the flight was late, but to return to the subject, the hotel was amazing!
I forgot to mention the flight was late, but to return to the subject, the hotel was amazing!
Used to bring the focus back to the main highlight of the story.
To return to the subject of economic growth, we must examine the latest trade data.
To return to the subject of economic growth, we must examine the latest trade data.
Acts as a transition after a specific case study or example.
I know I've been talking about this sandwich for ten minutes, but to return to the subject, where are my keys?
I know I've been talking about this sandwich for ten minutes, but to return to the subject, where are my keys?
Self-deprecating humor about being easily distracted.
I'm sorry I got distracted by the TV; to return to the subject, I really value our friendship.
I'm sorry I got distracted by the TV; to return to the subject, I really value our friendship.
Used to show sincerity after a moment of inattention.
That anecdote illustrates my point, but to return to the subject, let's look at the next slide.
That anecdote illustrates my point, but to return to the subject, let's look at the next slide.
Helps the speaker transition between a story and data.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to refocus the conversation after a distraction.
I love your new shoes! However, ___, we really need to finish this report by noon.
This phrase is the most natural way to transition from a compliment back to work.
Complete the academic sentence.
While the history of the region is fascinating, ___ of the current conflict, we must look at recent policy.
In academic writing, this phrase helps link background info back to the core thesis.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Levels of 'Returning to the Subject'
Used with close friends.
Anyway...
Standard daily conversation.
Back to what I was saying...
Professional or academic use.
To return to the subject...
Legal or highly structured settings.
Returning to the matter at hand...
When to Use 'To Return to the Subject'
Business Meeting
Refocusing after a tangent about the weather.
University Lecture
Linking a story back to the main theory.
Long Phone Call
Getting back to the news after a distraction.
Writing an Article
Connecting a sidebar back to the main theme.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt can be a little stiff. With friends, try saying anyway, back to my story or as I was saying instead.
Only if you are replying to a previous thread after a brief greeting. For example: I hope you're well. To return to the subject of our last meeting...
Anyway is very casual and versatile. To return to the subject is more precise and signals a deliberate return to a structured topic.
Yes! To return to the topic is almost identical in meaning and formality. Both are perfectly acceptable.
Absolutely. It is a great way to guide your audience through your slides if you share a personal anecdote.
Not usually. It actually sounds quite professional because it shows you are trying to stay organized and productive.
No, that would be confusing. Use on another note or by the way if you want to talk about something completely new.
Yes, using the -ing form is common in writing. For example: Returning to the subject of the report, we see a trend...
Yes, always use a comma after this phrase when it starts a sentence. For example: To return to the subject, let's look at the data.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, especially in business and academic contexts.
Frases relacionadas
As I was saying
To get back on track
To resume
Back to the point
In any case
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis