after the return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after the return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a point in time or an event that occurs following a return, such as after a trip or after a response is received. Example: "We will discuss the project details after the return of the team from their conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two more bombs were fired less than a month after the return of the Lucky Dragon.

The New Yorker

Attacks may subside after the return to a warm environment or the release from tension.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American troops are still in place, long after the return of the American medical students.

The New Yorker

"There was no truce after the return of the boy," he said.

The New York Times

Indisputable reference to it in European literature occurred only after the return of Columbus from the New World.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "Pacification," as the compromise was called, was adopted in 1917 and put into effect after the return of peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Active in the Napoleonic Wars, he was imprisoned, after the return to Spain of Ferdinand VII, from 1814 to 1820.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virgin Australia cancelled all flights to and from Bali on Wednesday after the return of a volcanic ash cloud.

The Guardian

Sturridge looked sharp and lively, picking out Vardy in the penalty area, then darting forward after the return pass.

The Guardian - Sport

After the return of the verb "to gift," why have we not found an alternative noun for "gifts"?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the scenario of return-to-work, for two years beneficiaries fall back into their old DI contract after the return-to-work period ends.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure the noun following 'return' is clearly defined (e.g., 'after the return of democracy' or 'after the return of the samples').

Common error

Avoid the phrase 'after the return back'. Since 'return' already implies moving back to a previous place or state, adding the word 'back' is redundant and considered poor style in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after the return" serves as a temporal adverbial phrase. It typically modifies a verb or an entire clause by establishing the time frame relative to the noun 'return'. According to Ludwig, it is often followed by the preposition 'of' to specify what is returning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after the return" is a robust and grammatically correct English expression used extensively across various disciplines. Ludwig AI identifies it as particularly prevalent in scientific research, where it often describes the restoration of physiological functions, and in journalistic reporting regarding political or social shifts (e.g., 'after the return of democracy'). It is a versatile temporal marker that works well in both formal and neutral contexts. To improve writing style, avoid redundant modifiers like 'back' and consider using "<a href="/s/following+the+return" target="_blank" rel="alternative">following the return" if a slightly higher level of formality is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the return

Provides a slightly more formal tone than the original phrase.

subsequent to the return

High formality, often used in legal or very technical contexts.

post-return

A concise, hyphenated adjective or adverbial form common in technical reports.

upon returning

Uses a gerund to emphasize the immediate timing of the action.

after the arrival

Focuses on the point of reaching a destination rather than the act of coming back.

after coming back

A more informal, phrasal verb-based alternative.

once they returned

A clausal alternative that specifies the subject performing the action.

following the restoration

Used when the return refers to a state or system being put back in place.

following their homecoming

Used specifically for people returning to their place of origin.

after the reappearance

Specific to something that was missing or invisible and has returned to view.

FAQs

How do I use "after the return" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an event occurring after someone or something comes back. For example: "The data was analyzed "after the return" of the space probe."

What is a more formal way to say "after the return"?

You can use more formal alternatives like "<a href="/s/subsequent+to+the+return" target="_blank" rel="alternative">subsequent to the return" or "<a href="/s/following+the+return" target="_blank" rel="alternative">following the return".

Is "after the return" correct in medical contexts?

Yes, it is very common in medical literature, particularly in the phrase "after the return of spontaneous circulation" (ROSC).

Can I say "after coming back" instead?

Yes, "<a href="/s/after+coming+back" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after coming back" is a perfectly valid but more informal way to express the same idea.