are returning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are returning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is in the process of coming back or going back to a previous place or state. Example: "The birds are returning to their nesting grounds as spring approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slowly, they are returning.

The New York Times - Sports

Tourists are returning.

The Economist

All three are returning alumni.

The New York Times - Sports

Now their grandchildren are returning.

The Economist

Meanwhile, natural processes are returning.

The Economist

Many are returning in stages.

The New York Times

Refugees are returning.

The New York Times

Customers are returning.

The New York Times

Routines are returning.

The New York Times - Sports

All PGFD are returning.

The Washington Post

American power companies are returning to coal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are returning" when you want to emphasize the act of coming back to a place, condition, or activity after a period of absence. For instance, "Customers are returning to the store after the renovation".

Common error

Avoid using "are returning" when referring to a completed action in the past. Use "returned" instead. For example, instead of "They are returning yesterday", say "They returned yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are returning" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of coming or going back. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are returning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present continuous verb phrase that describes the ongoing action of coming or going back. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, but can also appear in scientific and formal writing. When using the phrase, ensure the subject is plural or the pronoun "you" to maintain grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives like "are coming back" or "are going back" to better suit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are coming back

Replaces "returning" with "coming back", emphasizing the arrival aspect.

are going back

Replaces "returning" with "going back", focusing on the act of leaving the current location.

are reverting

Implies a return to a previous state or condition, rather than a physical place.

are reappearing

Focuses on the act of becoming visible again after a period of absence.

are recurring

Highlights the repetitive nature of returning or happening again.

are restoring

Indicates a return to a former condition through active effort.

are repatriating

Specifically refers to returning to one's country of origin.

are backtracking

Suggests reversing course or retracing steps.

are re-entering

Emphasizes the act of entering a place again.

are heading back

Indicates movement back towards a location.

FAQs

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

"Are returning" indicates a present continuous action of going back or coming back. Example: "The birds "are returning" to their nests in the spring."

What phrases are similar to "are returning"?

Similar phrases include "are coming back", "are going back", and "are reappearing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is returning" instead of "are returning"?

No, "is returning" is for singular subjects, while "are returning" is for plural subjects or the pronoun "you". For example, "He is returning" but "They "are returning"".

What is the difference between "are returning" and "will return"?

"Are returning" suggests an action happening now or in the near future, while "will return" indicates a future intention or prediction. "The students "are returning" from their field trip" (now), vs. "The students will return tomorrow" (future).