are being returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is currently in the process of being sent back or given back to its original place or owner. Example: "The items that were borrowed from the library are being returned by the students today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

All donations she took are being returned".

Independent

"Their calls are being returned," he said of the analysts.

The New York Times

Refugees are being returned, sometimes under pressure, from their camps outside the republic.

The New York Times

Suddenly, phone calls are being returned to companies that were previously left out in the cold.

The Guardian

"Now these treasures are being returned to the German Democratic Republic.

The New Yorker

In combat situations, military logistics also includes the handling of wounded casualties who are being returned from the front.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

All 28 were being returned to Mexico.

The New York Times

Suddenly, their phone calls were being returned.

The New York Times

It is being returned to the family.

The New York Times

"Everything is being returned," Mr. Miner said.

The New York Times

The fishing boat is being returned to China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are being returned", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is facilitating the return and the destination or original state to which they are going. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being returned" in a way that obscures who is responsible for the return. While passive voice can be useful, ensure that the agent of the action is either clear from context or explicitly stated to maintain accountability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being returned" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase. It describes an action that is currently in progress, where the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Unknown

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being returned" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes an ongoing action of sending something back to its original place or owner. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business writing.

When using this phrase, ensure clarity by indicating who is facilitating the return and the destination. While it's generally safe to use, be mindful of the passive voice and ensure that the agent of the action is clear to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "are being returned" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being sent back

Emphasizes the act of sending something to its origin.

are being given back

Highlights the act of handing something back to its owner.

are being restored

Focuses on the act of bringing something back to its original condition.

are being repatriated

Specifically refers to returning someone or something to their country of origin.

are being refunded

Highlights returning money.

are being reverted

Highlights the action of reverting something to a previous setting, state, practice, characteristic, etc.

are being relinquished

Highlights the action of voluntarily ceasing to keep or claim something

are being handed over

Highlights a transfer of responsibility, often formal or official.

are being shipped back

More specific to items being transported back.

are in the process of being returned

Adds emphasis to the 'process' that is happening.

FAQs

How can I use "are being returned" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates that something is in the process of being sent or brought back to its original place or owner. For instance, "The borrowed books "are being returned" to the library today".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "are being returned"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are being sent back", "are being given back", or "are being restored".

Is it correct to say "is being returned" instead of "are being returned"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is being returned" for singular subjects (e.g., "The item is being returned"), and "are being returned" for plural subjects (e.g., "The items "are being returned"").

What does "are being returned" imply about the state of the object?

The phrase "are being returned" implies that the objects were previously not in their original or intended location and are now in the process of being moved back. For example, "Defective products "are being returned" to the manufacturer".