able to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capability or opportunity to come back to a place or situation. Example: "After a long absence, she is finally able to return to her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was able to return.

The New York Times - Sports

He'll be able to return home tomorrow".

Independent

Eventually she escaped and was able to return home.

The Guardian

The man who killed him was able to return home.

The New York Times

He was able to return to India after treatment.

Independent

I wasn't able to return as I liked from inside.

Independent

Might the troupe be able to return to Second Avenue?

The New Yorker

She has not been able to return home.

Independent

"Afterwards, we're able to return to calm once again".

The New York Times

She recovered and was able to return home," Perti said.

Stanford University

storing the stuff you want to be able to return.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to return", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is returning to, whether it's a physical location, a state of being, or an activity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to return" interchangeably with phrases like "want to return" or "need to return". "Able to return" implies capability or permission, while "want to return" expresses desire and "need to return" indicates necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to return" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's capability or possibility of coming back to a previous state, place, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to return" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression signifying the capacity or opportunity to come back. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources like news outlets, scientific journals, and academic publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles, from formal reports to informal discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what the subject is returning to and avoid confusing it with phrases expressing desire or necessity, such as "want to return" or "need to return".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of returning

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to come back.

in a position to return

Highlights the circumstances that allow for a return.

eligible to return

Focuses on meeting the requirements or qualifications for returning.

permitted to return

Highlights the authorization or allowance to return.

allowed to come back

A more direct and less formal way of saying that someone has permission to return.

free to return

Indicates that there are no obstacles preventing a return.

in a state to return

Focuses on the current condition or readiness to come back.

ready to come back

Specifies being prepared or in condition to return.

restored to return

Suggests being brought back to a condition suitable for returning.

fit to return

Implies being in good enough condition to return, often used in medical or sports contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "able to return" in a sentence?

"Able to return" indicates the possibility or capacity to go back to a previous place, state, or activity. For example, "After recovering from her injury, she was "able to return" to work".

What are some alternatives to saying "able to return"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of returning", "in a position to return", or "eligible to return", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "able to return" or "able to have returned"?

"Able to return" refers to a present or future possibility. "Able to have returned" suggests a past possibility that may or may not have occurred. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "able to return" and "allowed to return"?

"Able to return" emphasizes the capability or capacity to do so, while "allowed to return" highlights permission or authorization. For instance, someone might be "able to return" due to recovery, but not "allowed to return" due to restrictions.