Getting back to
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
字面意思: Returning to a previous point
Use it to politely end a distraction and return to your main point.
15秒了解
- Used to return to a previous topic after a distraction.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
- Signals that you are refocusing the conversation effectively.
意思
Think of this as a verbal 'reset' button. You use it when you want to return to a topic you were discussing before you got distracted or interrupted.
关键例句
3 / 6In a business meeting after a joke
Getting back to the budget, we need to cut costs by ten percent.
Returning to the topic of the budget, we must reduce spending.
Texting a friend after a long delay
Hey! Getting back to your question about Saturday, I'm totally free.
I am finally replying to your question; I am available Saturday.
At a restaurant with family
Anyway, getting back to my story, the cat actually jumped into the sink!
Returning to my story, the cat jumped in the sink.
文化背景
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on linear logic and efficiency. It became a staple of business English in the mid-20th century as corporate structures became more organized. Today, it is a key tool for 'active listening,' showing that you have kept the original topic in your mental queue.
The 'Anyway' Bridge
If you feel awkward jumping back, use the word `anyway` before the phrase. It acts like a soft cushion: 'Anyway, getting back to...'
Don't Get Back 'At' Someone
Be careful! `Getting back to` is helpful, but `getting back at` someone means seeking revenge. Don't mix them up in a meeting!
15秒了解
- Used to return to a previous topic after a distraction.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
- Signals that you are refocusing the conversation effectively.
What It Means
Getting back to is your best friend for staying organized. It helps you steer a conversation back to its original path. Imagine you are talking about a movie. Suddenly, your friend mentions a burger they ate. After talking about food, you say getting back to the movie to continue your original thought. It signals that the 'side quest' of the conversation is over. It shows you are focused and attentive.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a gerund. For example, getting back to our plan or getting back to what I was saying. It often appears at the start of a sentence. You can also use it to respond to someone later in time. If a boss asks a question and you don't know the answer, you say, "I will get back to you." This means you will find the answer and return to the conversation later.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when someone goes off-topic. It is perfect for emails when you finally have an answer to an old question. In casual chats, use it after a funny distraction to finish your story. It works great when texting if you accidentally ignored a message. It makes you sound professional and polite because it proves you didn't forget the main point. Even in academic writing, it helps connect your conclusion to your introduction.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are starting a brand-new topic. If you have never mentioned the subject before, getting back to will confuse people. They will wonder, "When did we talk about this?" Also, avoid it if the interruption was very serious. If someone shares sad news, don't immediately say getting back to my weekend. That feels cold and dismissive. Give the new topic space before trying to pivot back.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, time is seen as a resource. People value 'getting to the point.' Using getting back to shows you respect the other person's time. It is a sign of a 'linear' communication style. We like to finish one thought before moving to the next. It became very popular in business culture to keep meetings efficient and on track.
Common Variations
You might hear people say to circle back to. This is very common in office 'corporate speak.' Another variation is as I was saying, which is a bit more informal. If you want to be very formal, you could use returning to the subject of. In texting, people often just write anyway... to do the same job. However, getting back to remains the most versatile and natural choice for almost any situation.
使用说明
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional register. Just be careful not to use it to dismiss someone's input too quickly, as that can seem rude.
The 'Anyway' Bridge
If you feel awkward jumping back, use the word `anyway` before the phrase. It acts like a soft cushion: 'Anyway, getting back to...'
Don't Get Back 'At' Someone
Be careful! `Getting back to` is helpful, but `getting back at` someone means seeking revenge. Don't mix them up in a meeting!
The Circle Back
In US tech companies, people love saying 'let's circle back to that.' It's the same as `getting back to`, but sounds more 'corporate.'
例句
6Getting back to the budget, we need to cut costs by ten percent.
Returning to the topic of the budget, we must reduce spending.
Uses the phrase to refocus the team after a lighthearted moment.
Hey! Getting back to your question about Saturday, I'm totally free.
I am finally replying to your question; I am available Saturday.
Shows the speaker hasn't forgotten the previous message.
Anyway, getting back to my story, the cat actually jumped into the sink!
Returning to my story, the cat jumped in the sink.
Used to reclaim the floor after the waiter took the order.
Getting back to my genius idea before I was so rudely interrupted by a sneeze...
Returning to my great idea after that sneeze interrupted me.
Uses the phrase with a bit of playful drama.
Getting back to how I felt, it really hurt when you didn't call.
Returning to my feelings, I was hurt by your lack of calling.
Used to ensure a serious point isn't lost in the conversation.
I am getting back to you regarding the shipping delay you mentioned.
I am responding to your previous message about the shipping delay.
Standard professional way to follow up on a query.
自我测试
Choose the correct phrase to refocus the conversation.
We got a bit distracted by the weather, but ___ the project timeline, we are on track.
The speaker wants to return to the 'project timeline' after talking about the weather.
Complete the sentence to show you will reply later.
I don't have the file right now, but I will ___ you by the end of the day.
'Get back to [someone]' is the standard way to say you will provide information later.
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视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Getting back to'
Used with friends after a distraction.
Anyway, getting back to the party...
Standard use in most daily interactions.
Getting back to your email from yesterday.
Appropriate for business and academic settings.
Getting back to the primary thesis of this study.
Where to use 'Getting back to'
Office Meeting
Refocusing on the agenda.
Texting
Replying to an old question.
Dinner Chat
Finishing a story after eating.
Customer Service
Updating a client on a ticket.
常见问题
10 个问题Not at all! It is a useful transition. However, in very formal papers, you might prefer returning to or to revisit.
Yes. Saying I'll get back to you is the most common way to promise a future answer. It is very polite.
As I was saying is specifically for when you were the one talking and were interrupted. Getting back to can be used for any topic the group was discussing.
Usually no. It refers to the 'movement' of the conversation or your attention, not your body.
Yes, even if the interruption lasted days! You can say, Getting back to our conversation from last week...
Actually, it is often seen as helpful. It shows you are keeping the meeting on track and value everyone's time.
Sometimes people say get back with you, but get back to you is much more common and sounds more natural.
In casual speech, people often just say Back to [topic]... and skip the getting entirely.
Yes, it is a perfect opening for a follow-up email. Example: Getting back to your request for the report...
People will be confused. They will think they forgot a previous part of the conversation. Use Moving on to for new topics instead.
相关表达
Circle back
A corporate version of returning to a topic later.
As I was saying
Used when you specifically were interrupted while speaking.
To pick up where we left off
To continue a conversation from the exact point it stopped.
Returning to my earlier point
A more formal way to refocus on something you said before.
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