are returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being sent back or given back, often in passive constructions. Example: "The items that were ordered are returned to the warehouse if they are not picked up within a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some are returned anonymously.

The Guardian

Deposits are returned by check.

The New York Times

These, too, are returned to the bloodstream.

The Economist

Phone messages are returned by e-mail.

The New York Times

Your phone calls are returned more quickly.

The New Yorker

Most are returned within several months.

The New York Times - Sports

They are returned to Izmir.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All are returned to Greece.

The Guardian

My letters are returned unopened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Slowly, they are returning.

The New York Times - Sports

Tourists are returning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are returned" when you want to emphasize that an action is being done to an object or person, rather than who is performing the action. This is common in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive voice with "are returned" is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "They return the items", consider "The items are returned" if the focus is on the items, not on who returns them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are returned" functions as a passive verb phrase. It typically indicates that a subject undergoes the action of being returned, highlighting the receiver of the action rather than the actor. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a common structure in English for describing processes or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are returned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to describe the action of something being sent or brought back. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly in diverse contexts, ranging from everyday conversations to scientific discourse. Remember to select active and passive voices carefully, depending on the context. To broaden your writing toolkit, explore alternatives such as "are sent back" or "<a href="/s/are+given+back", and avoid common errors by ensuring the passive voice aligns with your communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sent back

Focuses on the action of sending something back, emphasizing the direction of the return.

are given back

Highlights the act of giving something back to its original owner or place.

are brought back

Emphasizes the action of bringing something back to a specific location or person.

are handed back

Highlights the physical act of handing something back.

are restored

Implies that something is returned to its original condition or state.

are shipped back

Emphasizes the transportation aspect of returning goods.

are carried back

Suggests that something is returned by being carried.

are refunded

Specifically refers to the return of money, often after a purchase.

are reverted

Suggests a return to a previous state or condition.

are relinquished

Indicates that something is given back, often implying a loss of control or ownership.

FAQs

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

Use "are returned" to describe something being sent or brought back. For example, "Defective products "are returned" to the manufacturer for a refund."

What are some alternatives to "are returned"?

You can use alternatives like "are sent back", "are given back", or "are brought back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "are returned" or "have been returned"?

Use "are returned" for present tense and ongoing situations. Use "have been returned" for actions completed in the past. For example: "Items "are returned" daily" vs. "All items have been returned."

What is the difference between "are returned" and "were returned"?

"Are returned" indicates a present or ongoing action, while "were returned" indicates a past action. For example, "The packages "are returned" immediately" (present) versus "The packages were returned yesterday" (past).