a shorter return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shorter return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a quicker or more concise response, result, or outcome in various contexts, such as finance or communication. Example: "We are looking for a shorter return on our investment to improve cash flow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Besides, Sr values with a longer return period are more stable than those with a shorter return period when affected by fluctuations in its influencing factors.

Journal of Hydrology

Over the past half-century, the study site witnessed a drastic reduction of the storage volume, resulting in shorter times for saturation especially for storm events having a shorter return period and for events that were less critical in the past.

Anthropocene

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ivanovic saved the first one, jumping on a short return and hitting a forehand winner crosscourt.

The New York Times - Sports

The Broncos will take over at their own 32 after a short return from Leonhard.

The Guardian - Sport

Stepanek's backhand billowed the net for 40-30, but he punished a short return with a deft line shot for deuce.

The Guardian - Sport

Bad miss from Li – Serena off balance, a short return for a still easy winner, and Li puts it well long for 30-15.

The Guardian

After a short return to London in 1926, he enjoyed a long run with Tallulah Bankhead in Her Cardboard Lover (1927).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following a short return to Earth, he travels to the Sun, where a society of birds puts him on trial for humanity's crimes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Lopez held a break point on Isner's serve in the fourth game of the final set, Isner jammed a serve into the corner and seized the net, plastering a short return far away from Lopez's reach.

The New York Times

He got a job in a psychiatric hospital where he met his wife-to-be, Cynthia, who was a nurse, and after a short return spell in America they settled in the UK and had four children.

The Guardian - Books

Updated at 2.54pm BST 2.45pm BST Third set: Gulbis 6-7, 7-6, 4-2 Federer* After Gulbis wins the first point, Federer seizes on a short return and runs around his backhand to nail a crosscourt winner.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, if the goal is to quickly see results from a certain initiative, it's appropriate to describe this expectation as "a shorter return".

Common error

Avoid using "a shorter return" when you actually mean a physically shorter distance. The word 'return' can refer to either a yield/profit or the act of going back. Be precise with your terminology to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shorter return" functions as a noun phrase modified by a comparative adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. The comparative "shorter" indicates a reduced duration or length of the "return."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a shorter return" is grammatically correct, albeit rare in usage, according to Ludwig AI. It's typically used to express the desire for a faster or more rapid outcome, particularly in contexts related to finance, project management, or general efficiency. While grammatically sound, users should be mindful of potential ambiguity and ensure the context is clear. Alternative phrases like "a quicker payback" or "a faster response" might be more suitable depending on the intended meaning. It is important not to confuse 'return' as yield/profit and 'return' as act of going back.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quicker payback

Emphasizes speed of recouping an investment, focusing on the financial aspect.

a faster response

Highlights the speed of reaction or reply, particularly in communication or systems.

a more concise result

Focuses on the brevity and clarity of an outcome, rather than the time taken.

a swifter reversal

Implies a faster change or turnaround from a previous state.

a briefer yield

Suggests a reduced duration for a gain or profit.

a diminished lapse

Emphasizes reduced timeframe for temporary suspension or interval.

a truncated cycle

Highlights shortened process or sequence of events

a more fleeting visit

Implies a shorter duration of being present somewhere

a reduced interval

Highlights minimized period between two points or events.

a limited engagement

Emphasizes restricted amount of time for involvement

FAQs

How can I use "a shorter return" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company is aiming for "a shorter return" on its marketing investments to improve cash flow quickly".

What does "a shorter return" mean in finance?

In a financial context, "a shorter return" usually refers to a quicker or more rapid return on investment, meaning that the investor expects to see profits or the principal amount returned in less time.

Is it correct to say "a shorter return" or should I use another phrase?

Saying "a shorter return" is grammatically sound and understandable. Depending on the context, alternatives such as "a quicker payback" or "a faster response" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a shorter return" and "a higher return"?

"a higher return" refers to the amount of profit or benefit received, while "a shorter return" indicates the time it takes to receive that benefit. One focuses on magnitude, and the other on duration.