an returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an returned" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "returned" is not a noun that can be preceded by "an." Example: "He is an returned soldier from the war." (should be "a returned soldier")

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Italian overnight leader Molinari shot a four-under-par 68 on day three, while South Korea's An returned a 67.

BBC

The metabolites were less affected an returned faster back to initial levels (Fig.  5).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A returned questionnaire implied consent.

BMC Health Services Research

Next, a returning face.

TechCrunch

A returning customer?

WikiHow

But a return as a travel editor?

The New York Times

I returned a book.

The New York Times

In a moment, he returned.

The New Yorker

So West returned a diamond.

The New York Times

A Yi soon returned, dejected.

The New Yorker

So East returned a diamond.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "an returned". Instead, rephrase to use correct articles and noun forms such as "a returnee" or "a returning individual".

Common error

The article "an" is generally used before vowel sounds. However, in the phrase "an returned", "returned" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, and it requires the article "a" if the noun is singular and countable, or should be restructured entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an returned" is grammatically incorrect. As noted by Ludwig AI, "returned" is not a noun that can directly follow "an". The correct usage would involve using "a" or restructuring the phrase to use a proper noun like "returnee".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an returned" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, the article "an" does not correctly precede the past participle "returned" in this construction. It's better to use alternatives like "a returnee" or rephrase the sentence for clarity. While found in some news and scientific sources, its presence there is likely due to errors, underscoring the need for careful grammar and usage. This phrase should not be considered standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a returnee

Uses a noun to describe someone who has returned.

a returning

Replaces "an" with "a" to match the noun that follows, but still suggests something coming back.

one who returned

Uses a pronoun and verb to describe someone who has come back.

someone who returned

Similar to "one who returned" but more specific to people.

an individual who returned

More formal version of "someone who returned".

a returning participant

Describes someone who is participating again.

a returned item

Focuses on a thing that was sent back rather than a person.

a comeback

Refers to a return after a period of absence.

a resurgence

Indicates a rise or revival after decline.

a reappearance

Suggests that something or someone is appearing again.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say someone or something came back?

Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "an returned", you can say "a returnee", "a returning individual", or simply "someone who returned".

Is it ever correct to use "an" before a word starting with 'r'?

Generally, "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. While "returned" starts with a consonant, the issue with "an returned" isn't the 'r', but the grammatical structure. It's better to use "a return" if you must use that word directly after the article, but rephrasing is preferable.

How can I avoid making article mistakes in similar phrases?

Pay attention to the noun and its sound, and the function of the word following the article. If the following word starts with a vowel sound, consider "an"; otherwise, use "a". In cases similar to "an returned", restructure the sentence for clarity or use appropriate nouns such as "a returnee".

What are some alternatives to "an returned" that sound more natural?

Consider alternatives such as "a comeback", "a reappearance", or "a resurgence" depending on the context. These phrases offer grammatically sound and commonly accepted ways to express the idea of something returning.