15초 만에
- Steers a conversation back to its topic.
- Used after a discussion gets sidetracked.
- Best for formal or professional settings.
- A polite way to signal a focus shift.
뜻
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주요 예문
3 / 10In a weekly team meeting
The discussion about the new coffee machine is noted. Returning to the main point, we need to address the Q3 budget.
The discussion about the new coffee machine is noted. Returning to the main point, we need to address the Q3 budget.
Writing a university essay
While secondary sources debate the timeline, returning to the main point of the primary text shows a clear intent.
While secondary sources debate the timeline, returning to the main point of the primary text shows a clear intent.
Texting a friend about dinner plans
✗ That's a wild story! So, returning to the main point, are we getting tacos or pizza? → ✓ That's a wild story! Anyway, are we getting tacos or pizza?
✗ That's a wild story! So, returning to the main point, are we getting tacos or pizza? → ✓ That's a wild story! Anyway, are we getting tacos or pizza?
문화적 배경
In American business culture, time is money. Using this phrase is seen as a positive leadership trait because it keeps meetings on schedule. Brits might use a 'softener' before this phrase to avoid sounding too bossy or direct. Directly 'returning to the point' can sometimes be seen as dismissive of the social harmony (wa) created by the tangent. It's often better to wait for a natural pause. German communication is highly structured. This phrase (or its German equivalent) is expected and appreciated for maintaining 'Ordnung' (order) in discussion.
The 'Anyway' Bridge
If 'Returning to the main point' feels too stiff, start with 'Anyway,' followed by the phrase. It bridges the gap between casual and formal.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in ten minutes, it means you are digressing too much. It loses its power if used constantly.
15초 만에
- Steers a conversation back to its topic.
- Used after a discussion gets sidetracked.
- Best for formal or professional settings.
- A polite way to signal a focus shift.
What It Means
Ever been in a meeting that starts with sales targets and ends with a 20-minute debate about the best kind of office coffee? That's where this phrase comes in. Think of it as the polite 'reset' button for a conversation that has wandered off-road.
What It Means
Returning to the main point is a formal signpost you use to guide a conversation. It signals that a detour or side-topic is over. Now, it's time to get back to the primary subject. It’s not just for you; it helps everyone in the conversation refocus their attention. Using it shows you are organized and respectful of everyone's time. It carries a professional, efficient vibe. You're not being rude; you're being effective.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is straightforward. You wait for a pause in the side-conversation. Then, you simply say it and follow up by restating the original topic. For example: "...and that's why I'll never go camping again. Anyway, returning to the main point, we need to decide on the budget." It creates a smooth transition. You acknowledge the detour happened but gently move past it. It’s like a verbal U-turn on the conversational highway.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the world of formal and neutral conversations. It’s perfect for business meetings, academic discussions, presentations, or writing a formal essay. You probably wouldn't use it while texting your best friend about weekend plans. For casual chats, you'd use something like Anyway... or So, back to what we were saying.... Using Returning to the main point in a very casual setting can sound a bit stiff, like wearing a suit to the beach.
Real-Life Examples
- In a Zoom meeting: "That's a great idea for the holiday party. Returning to the main point, let's finalize the Q4 marketing slogan."
- In an academic paper: "While the author's biography is fascinating, returning to the main point of her argument reveals a critical flaw..."
- In a podcast interview: "I could talk about my dog all day! But, returning to the main point, you asked about my creative process."
- In a client call: "We appreciate you sharing that feedback. Returning to the main point, we need your approval on the design mockups."
When To Use It
Use this phrase when a discussion has clearly strayed from its intended purpose. It's most effective after a natural pause. This prevents you from interrupting someone mid-sentence. It is your tool to bring order back to a chaotic conversation. Think of yourself as the friendly director of the conversation. You're just keeping the story on script. It's also great in writing to connect a side-note back to your main thesis.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in highly emotional or personal conversations. If a friend is pouring their heart out to you, hitting them with Returning to the main point is cold. It would feel like you're dismissing their feelings. Also, avoid using it for very short, minor detours. If someone makes a quick joke, just laugh and move on. Overusing it can make you seem rigid or controlling. It's a tool, not a hammer.
Common Mistakes
This phrase is pretty hard to use incorrectly, but the mistakes are usually about context, not grammar.
Common Variations
People use a few different versions to get the same job done. They all have a slightly different flavor.
Getting back on track...(Slightly less formal, feels more collaborative)To get back to the topic at hand...(Very formal, common in written reports)As I was saying...(Used when you yourself were interrupted)Bringing it back to [topic]...(Clearly names the topic you're returning to)Anyway...(The most common, casual way to do this)
These variations can make you sound more natural and less repetitive if you need to refocus the conversation multiple times. Like having different ways to say 'hello'.
Real Conversations
Scenario: A team planning their next project.
Sara
Tom
Lia
Tom
Sara
Tom
Quick FAQ
- Is this phrase rude?
Not at all, if used correctly! In a formal setting, it's considered polite and efficient.
- Can I use it in an email?
Absolutely. It's very effective in emails to keep the text focused and direct.
- What's a one-word alternative?
The closest one-word wonder is Anyway.... It does the same job in casual chats.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is a formal discourse marker best suited for professional or academic contexts. Using it in casual, informal, or emotional conversations can sound stiff, jarring, or even insensitive. Reserve it for moments when clarity and efficiency are the primary goals of the conversation.
The 'Anyway' Bridge
If 'Returning to the main point' feels too stiff, start with 'Anyway,' followed by the phrase. It bridges the gap between casual and formal.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in ten minutes, it means you are digressing too much. It loses its power if used constantly.
The Softener
In the UK or Canada, add 'If I may...' or 'Just...' to the beginning to sound more polite.
예시
10The discussion about the new coffee machine is noted. Returning to the main point, we need to address the Q3 budget.
The discussion about the new coffee machine is noted. Returning to the main point, we need to address the Q3 budget.
Here, it's used to politely cut off an irrelevant discussion and redirect the team's focus to the agenda.
While secondary sources debate the timeline, returning to the main point of the primary text shows a clear intent.
While secondary sources debate the timeline, returning to the main point of the primary text shows a clear intent.
In academic writing, this phrase helps guide the reader back to the core argument after exploring a side-topic.
✗ That's a wild story! So, returning to the main point, are we getting tacos or pizza? → ✓ That's a wild story! Anyway, are we getting tacos or pizza?
✗ That's a wild story! So, returning to the main point, are we getting tacos or pizza? → ✓ That's a wild story! Anyway, are we getting tacos or pizza?
The phrase is too formal for a casual text. 'Anyway' is the natural choice here.
Haha, yes, my cat is the real boss at home. But returning to the main point, you asked about the challenges of starting my own business.
Haha, yes, my cat is the real boss at home. But returning to the main point, you asked about the challenges of starting my own business.
A friendly and self-aware way to get back on topic after sharing a personal, humorous anecdote.
Love this view! Reminds me of my trip last year. Anyway, back to your amazing photo, the colors are stunning!
Love this view! Reminds me of my trip last year. Anyway, back to your amazing photo, the colors are stunning!
On social media, a formal phrase is not used. A more casual alternative like 'Anyway, back to...' is perfect.
✗ I know we're all upset about the car, but returning to the main point, who is going to apologize first? → ✓ I know we're all upset. When we're ready, let's talk about what happened.
✗ I know we're all upset about the car, but returning to the main point, who is going to apologize first? → ✓ I know we're all upset. When we're ready, let's talk about what happened.
Using this phrase in an emotional context can sound cold and dismissive, as if you're treating feelings like a business agenda.
That's a very insightful question about AI ethics. Let's park that for the Q&A. Returning to the main point, let's look at this line of code.
That's a very insightful question about AI ethics. Let's park that for the Q&A. Returning to the main point, let's look at this line of code.
A polite way to manage time and stay on schedule by acknowledging a good point but deferring it.
Yeah, my last boss was terrible. But okay, getting back on track, do you think I should list this skill first?
Yeah, my last boss was terrible. But okay, getting back on track, do you think I should list this skill first?
'Getting back on track' is a slightly less formal variation that works well here.
So I was chasing this squirrel away from my bird feeder—long story—anyway, the reason I called was to see if you're free on Saturday. Give me a call back!
So I was chasing this squirrel away from my bird feeder—long story—anyway, the reason I called was to see if you're free on Saturday. Give me a call back!
A humorous, self-aware use of a tangent and the casual redirect 'anyway' to get to the purpose of the call.
I know we had some happy memories, I'll cherish them. But we have to talk about how we're going to handle this. It's the main reason we're talking.
I know we had some happy memories, I'll cherish them. But we have to talk about how we're going to handle this. It's the main reason we're talking.
In a serious, emotional talk, a direct statement about the 'main reason' for the talk is used instead of the colder, formal phrase.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal transition.
________ to the ________ point, we need to discuss the deadline.
This is the standard canonical form used as a sentence starter.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal business presentation?
The speaker realized he was talking too much about his vacation. He should say:
This is the most professional way to redirect a formal audience.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural C1-level phrase.
A: 'The new office chairs are so comfortable.' B: 'They are! But ________, we have to decide who is leading the project.'
Option A uses the correct preposition and adjective for this idiom.
Match the phrase variation to the correct register.
1. Anyway... 2. Returning to the main point... 3. To resume the primary argument...
'Anyway' is casual, 'Returning to the main point' is standard professional, and 'To resume the primary argument' is academic.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제________ to the ________ point, we need to discuss the deadline.
This is the standard canonical form used as a sentence starter.
The speaker realized he was talking too much about his vacation. He should say:
This is the most professional way to redirect a formal audience.
A: 'The new office chairs are so comfortable.' B: 'They are! But ________, we have to decide who is leading the project.'
Option A uses the correct preposition and adjective for this idiom.
1. Anyway... 2. Returning to the main point... 3. To resume the primary argument...
'Anyway' is casual, 'Returning to the main point' is standard professional, and 'To resume the primary argument' is academic.
🎉 점수: /4
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자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not usually. In professional settings, it's seen as helpful. However, if you say it with an annoyed tone, it can sound like you are telling the other person they are wasting time.
Yes, 'Back to the point' is a shorter, slightly less formal version. It's great for semi-formal meetings.
It's the primary reason for the conversation or the central thesis of your argument.
Yes, especially after a long paragraph of background information. It helps the reader find the 'action item.'
Always use 'the' because you are referring to a specific point that was already mentioned.
'Anyway' is very casual. 'Returning to the main point' is more explicit and professional.
It's better to wait for a pause. If you must interrupt, use a softener like 'Sorry to interrupt, but returning to the main point...'
It's used equally in both, but it's particularly vital in spoken presentations to keep the audience engaged.
No, you wouldn't usually say 'Returning to the main points' unless you are summarizing several things at once, which is rare.
Then you shouldn't use the phrase! It implies a structured discussion exists.
관련 표현
To get back on track
similarTo return to the planned schedule or topic.
To circle back
similarTo discuss a topic again at a later time.
To cut to the chase
relatedTo skip the unimportant parts and get to the main point.
In a nutshell
relatedTo summarize the main point briefly.
To digress
contrastTo leave the main subject temporarily.
