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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by return email
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'by return email' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you would like the recipient of an email to respond back to you. For example, "Please send me your availability this week by return email."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Send an email to [email protected] to receive the discount code by return email (or ping me and I'll give it to you).
News & Media
Potential participants will be asked to confirm their willingness to participate by return email.
Science
Potential interviewees will be asked to confirm their willingness to participate by return email.
Science
Potential staff to be shadowed will be asked to confirm their willingness to participate by return email.
Science
Women were invited to make contact via email and information on the study and consent forms were sent by return email.
Science
The speech-language pathologist, in turn, reviewed the daily results and sent new accuracy targets for the subsequent session by return email.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
I try to wrap up the writing by 4pm, so I can return emails and deal with other work items.
News & Media
Return emails.
Wiki
As participants were enrolled their pre-randomisation number was emailed to the Unit, and their post-randomisation number and the group allocation to emailed back by return.
When face to face appointments were not possible, staff were emailed the survey to complete and return by email to the Project Manager.
We further improved usability by adding an online batch submission system with formatted results returned by email.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "by return email" when you need a prompt response and want to emphasize the speed of the reply.
Common error
Avoid using "by return email" in informal situations where a less formal request would suffice. Overusing it can come across as demanding.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by return email" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies how the action (e.g., 'confirm', 'send') should be performed, indicating the manner and speed of the response. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
29%
Formal & Business
14%
Less common in
Wiki
14%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "by return email" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for requesting a prompt email reply. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly formal, it’s best suited for professional contexts or situations where a timely response is expected. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources. If you're seeking alternatives, consider options like “reply promptly” or “email me back quickly” to convey a similar meaning. Avoid overusing the phrase in casual communications to prevent it from seeming demanding.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
reply via email promptly
Focuses on the action of replying rather than the speed of the reply.
promptly email back
Inverts the structure while keeping the meaning.
email me back quickly
Emphasizes the quickness of the response.
email a quick response
Focuses on the speed of the response.
respond to the email soon
Highlights the importance of a timely response.
provide a swift email reply
Highlights the speed and the type of the reply.
send an email reply immediately
Stresses the immediacy of the reply.
email your response without delay
Emphasizes lack of delay in the response.
reply by immediate email
Immediate is stronger in meaning, emphasizes urgency.
give an email reply quickly
Similar but slightly more informal in tone.
FAQs
What does "by return email" mean?
The phrase "by return email" means that you are requesting the recipient to reply to your email as soon as possible or promptly. It implies a sense of urgency or expectation of a quick response.
When is it appropriate to use "by return email"?
It's appropriate to use "by return email" when you need a quick response, such as confirming attendance at an event or providing urgent information. However, avoid using it in casual or non-urgent communications.
What are some alternatives to "by return email"?
You can use alternatives such as "reply promptly", "email me back quickly", or "respond at your earliest convenience" depending on the urgency and formality of the situation.
How can I politely request a response without using "by return email"?
You can politely request a response by saying "Please let me know as soon as possible" or "Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated." These alternatives convey the need for a quick reply without being overly demanding.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested