asked to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is requested or instructed to come back to a place or situation. Example: "After the meeting, the employees were asked to return to their desks and continue working on their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was then asked to return for Wednesday's hearing.

The New York Times

So Wilson could also be asked to return punts.

The New York Times - Sports

Consumers were asked to return the product to stores.

The New York Times

Bill was asked to return to a full-time schedule.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was so excited that he asked to return.

The New York Times

Mr. Cantalupo was asked to return at that time.

The New York Times

Eritreans were asked to return any parts they found.

The New York Times - Travel

But Mike Bell was not asked to return.

The New York Times

Subjects were asked to return at 2 weeks postsurgery to report complications and adverse events.

Gynecological Surgery

Recipients were asked to return the completed questionnaires in postage-paid envelopes.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Subjects were asked to return after improvement in the CDS and symptoms.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asked to return" when you want to clearly state that a request or instruction was given for someone or something to come back. Ensure the context makes it clear who is doing the asking and who or what is expected to return.

Common error

Avoid using "asked to return" in highly informal contexts where more casual language would be appropriate. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "told to come back" or "called back".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked to return" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone was requested or instructed to come back. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The examples show it being used to describe requests for people to attend appointments, return items, or resume activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asked to return" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a request or instruction for someone or something to come back. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usage. It is adaptable to various registers, from formal scientific papers to neutral news articles, though it's best to avoid it in very informal settings where more casual language might be preferred. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts. Related phrases like "requested to come back" or "invited to return" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested to come back

Replaces "asked" with "requested", emphasizing a more formal request.

invited to return

Suggests a more welcoming or encouraging tone than "asked".

required to return

Indicates a mandatory or obligatory return.

instructed to go back

Emphasizes a direct order or instruction.

expected to be back

Focuses on the expectation of a return, rather than the act of asking.

told to return

A more direct and informal way of saying "asked to return".

summoned to return

Suggests a formal or official call to return.

compelled to return

Highlights a sense of obligation or pressure to return.

called back

A shorter, more casual way of saying "asked to return".

directed to return

Implies a specific direction or command to return.

FAQs

How can I use "asked to return" in a sentence?

You can use "asked to return" when someone is requested or instructed to come back to a place or situation. For example, "The doctor "asked to return" for a follow-up appointment" or "Consumers were "asked to return" the product to the store."

What are some alternatives to "asked to return"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "requested to come back", "invited to return", or "required to return".

Is "asked to return" formal or informal?

"Asked to return" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall tone of your writing should guide your choice. For highly informal situations, consider more casual alternatives.

What's the difference between "asked to return" and "told to return"?

"Asked to return" implies a request, while "told to return" suggests a more direct instruction or order. The choice depends on the relationship between the individuals involved and the level of authority being exercised.