"return to work" vs "go back to work"

Question

"return to work" vs "go back to work"

Both "go back to work" and "return to work" are correct phrases in English. They can be used interchangeably to indicate the action of resuming work after a break or absence. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference or regional variations.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to instruct someone to resume their work after a period of interruption or absence. It implies physically moving to the work location or starting work again.

Examples:

After the meeting, please return to work on your projects.
I need to finish this report and then return to work on the presentation.
The holidays are over; it's time to return to work.
Let's take a short break and then return to work with fresh ideas.
She had to deal with a personal matter and then return to work.

Alternatives:

go back to work
get back to work
resume work
start working again
continue working

This phrase is used to instruct someone to resume their work after a period of interruption or absence. It implies physically moving to the work location or starting work again.

Examples:

After the lunch break, everyone needs to go back to work.
I can't stay here chatting all day; I need to go back to work.
The weekend is over; it's time to go back to work.
Let's finish this project and then go back to work on the next one.
She took a short break to clear her mind and then went back to work.

Alternatives:

return to work
get back to work
resume work
start working again
continue working

Answer 1

return to work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of resuming work after a break or absence.

Answer 2

go back to work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of resuming work after a break or absence.

"return to work" vs "go back to work"

return to work

go back to work

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