being returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is in the process of being sent back or given back to its original place or owner. Example: "The package is being returned to the sender due to an incorrect address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All 28 were being returned to Mexico.

The New York Times

All donations she took are being returned".

Independent

Suddenly, their phone calls were being returned.

The New York Times

being returned to the sender inadvertently.

Princeton University

A deep-fat fryer is being returned.

The Guardian - Business

It is being returned to the family.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

His remains are being returned to his hometown.

Stanford University

I am afraid of being returned to jail there.

Harvard University

The ball must bounce once before being returned, and again before being returned by the serving team.

Harvard University

A dynamic controller is proposed that prevents stored frictional energy from being returned to the system.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a process, use "being returned" to clearly indicate that an item or person is in the process of going back to its origin. For example, "The product is being returned to the warehouse for inspection."

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is initiating the return. Vague phrasing can obscure the subject. For example, instead of "It is being returned", specify "The package is being returned by the customer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being returned" functions as part of a passive progressive construction, indicating an action that is currently in progress. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used across various contexts to describe items or entities in the process of being sent back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

7%

Unknown

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being returned" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote an ongoing process of something going back to its origin. Ludwig's AI confirms its accuracy and widespread applicability. With a strong presence in news, academic, and scientific domains, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject initiating the return and consider synonyms like "being sent back" or "being restored" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being sent back

Focuses on the physical act of sending something back, similar to returning.

being restored

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to its original condition or place.

being given back

Highlights the act of handing something back to its owner.

being refunded

Specific to financial transactions, indicating money being given back.

being reverted

Implies a return to a previous state or version, often in a technological or procedural context.

being remitted

Formally sending money to a person or place.

being reimbursed

Getting money back after an expense.

being transported back

Emphasizes the act of physical transportation to a prior location.

being shipped back

Specifically refers to sending something back via a shipping service.

being conveyed back

Formal way of expressing something being carried or transported back.

FAQs

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

Use "being returned" to indicate that something is in the process of going back to its original place or owner. For example, "The faulty equipment is "being returned" to the manufacturer."

What are some alternatives to "being returned"?

You can use alternatives like "being sent back", "being restored", or "being given back" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "being returned" versus "returning"?

"Being returned" emphasizes the ongoing process of returning, while "returning" can refer to a future action or a general tendency. For instance, "The item is "being returned" now" versus "The customer is returning the item tomorrow".

Is there a difference between "being returned" and "getting returned"?

"Being returned" is generally more formal and grammatically correct. "Getting returned" is more colloquial but can be acceptable in informal contexts. In formal writing, ""being returned"" is the preferred choice.