by returning this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by returning this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to send something back or to indicate that a return is expected as part of a process. Example: "Please complete the form and submit it by returning this to the address provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"While that won't be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people and their needs, dreams and great potential.

The New York Times

A closed loop cycle is achieved by returning this decarbonized and alkalinized brine to the ocean for additional CO2 absorption from the air.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

"They are clearly undercutting tens of thousands of unemployed UK IT workers while computer science graduates suffer the highest unemployment of any discipline, currently 16%." He said intra-company transfers could be "substantially reduced" by "returning this route to its original purpose of bringing key staff to the UK offices of a multinational company".

BBC

Morton said the repatriation would "undo a great wrong by returning this priceless dinosaur skeleton to the people of Mongolia".

Huffington Post

Furthermore, participants were sent the link to the online questionnaire and provided informed consent by returning this online questionnaire.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

By returning this year Tampa Bay have already become the first team to play two games in the UK and, with the team struggling to sell out their home games in Florida, they seem an obvious candidate.

The Guardian - Sport

We conclude this article by returning to this topic.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

He began the solo kneeling, and he ended it by returning to this kneeling position and then folding over in a resting swan position.

The New York Times - Arts

Introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders, this medieval convenience food had only to be cut open to yield a tart juice.

The New York Times - Food

What I expected was that the president and Congress would face up to the potential for more serious economic disruptions by returning during this current recess and trying to put some plans into action for jobs, jobs and more jobs.

The New York Times

Karzai knows that, and he appears to have cemented another five-year term by returning to this fundamental political truth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by returning this", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what is being returned.

Common error

A common mistake is using "by returning this" without a clear antecedent for "this". Always make sure it's immediately obvious what the user is returning. For instance, instead of saying "Complete the process by returning this", specify "Complete the process by returning this form."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by returning this" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the means by which an action is completed. It introduces a method of achieving a result, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples which involve returning physical or digital items to fulfill a requirement. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by returning this" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that indicates a method of completing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly used to provide instructions or directions. While the phrase itself is relatively straightforward, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what "this" refers to. While considered a rare phrase, it is commonly used in contexts such as News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by sending this back

Focuses specifically on the action of sending something via mail or courier.

by giving this back

Highlights the act of physically handing something back to someone.

by submitting this again

Emphasizes the action of re-submitting or re-presenting the item or information.

through the act of returning this

Adds a more formal or emphatic tone to the action.

upon returning this

Implies that something will happen when the item or information is returned.

in returning this

Highlights the process or method involved in the act of returning.

by reverting to this

Highlights going back to something previously used or existing.

by bringing this back

Focuses on the physical act of carrying something back to a location.

by restoring this

Implies returning something to its original condition or place.

by handing this back

Similar to giving back, but emphasizes the physical transfer.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by returning this" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "through the act of returning this" or "upon the return of this". These options add emphasis and sophistication to your writing.

Is it always necessary to specify what "this" refers to when using "by returning this"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what "this" refers to enhances clarity and prevents misunderstanding. For example, "by returning "this document"" is clearer than just "by returning this".

What are some less common synonyms for "returning" in the phrase "by returning this"?

Alternatives to "returning" include "submitting", "handing back", or "restoring", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For instance, "by "submitting this"" is suitable for forms or applications.

How does "by returning this" differ from "by giving this back"?

"By giving this back" is more informal and focuses on the physical action of handing something over. "By returning this" is more general and can apply to both physical and digital items. Also the first implies the direct and personal action of returning an item, against the more generic action of "returning" something. For example, you give back a book that you borrowed, or returning a document after being reviewed.