eager to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eager to return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or enthusiasm to go back to a place or situation. Example: "After a long vacation, I am eager to return to my hometown and see my family again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both said they were eager to return.

The New York Times

Its talented exiles are eager to return.

The Economist

Still, she was eager to return.

The New York Times

He was eager to return.

The New York Times - Sports

They are eager to return.

The New York Times

Davis was not the only Dynamo star eager to return.

The New York Times - Sports

"Thanks, Baba," Gogol says, eager to return to his lyrics.

The New Yorker

Some workers said they were eager to return to work.

The New York Times

He was eager to return to Turkey and publish them.

The New York Times

The Mets hitters looked eager to return to New York.

The New York Times

It's one to which some Americans seem eager to return.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eager to return" when you want to express a genuine enthusiasm or strong desire to go back to a place, situation, or activity. It implies a positive anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "eager to return" if the context involves something negative or undesirable. 'Eager' implies positive anticipation, so using it in a negative scenario can create confusion or sound sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager to return" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of anticipation or willingness. It is often used to describe a person's feelings about going back to a place, activity, or situation, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eager to return" is a commonly used phrase to express enthusiasm and anticipation about going back to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To avoid redundancy, it's best not to add "back" after "return". Alternatives like "looking forward to returning" or "excited to return" can be used for variety, but "eager to return" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking forward to returning

A common phrase that conveys anticipation and pleasure about returning.

can't wait to return

Expresses impatience and strong anticipation for the return.

excited to go back

Similar to "eager to return" but uses 'excited' to amplify the feeling of anticipation and joy.

anxious to go back

Uses 'anxious' to highlight a sense of worry alongside anticipation, slightly altering the emotional tone.

keen to revisit

Replaces 'eager' with 'keen', suggesting a strong interest or enthusiasm in returning.

anxious for a return

This is a slight rephrasing, emphasizing the anticipation of the return itself.

enthusiastic about returning

Emphasizes the excitement and positive feeling associated with the return.

itching to get back

Suggests a restlessness and strong urge to return quickly.

longing to go back

Highlights a deep sense of missing the place or situation, adding a touch of sentimentality.

desirous of returning

A more formal way to express the wish to return, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "eager to return" to express excitement or anticipation about going back to something. For example, "After the vacation, I was "eager to return" to work."

What's the difference between "eager to return" and "anxious to return"?

"Eager to return" suggests excitement and positive anticipation, while "anxious to return" implies a sense of worry or unease mixed with the desire to go back. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended emotion.

Is "eager to return back" redundant?

Yes, "eager to return back" is redundant. The word "return" already implies going back, so adding "back" is unnecessary. Just say ""eager to return"".

What can I say instead of "eager to return"?

You can use alternatives like "looking forward to returning", "excited to return", or "can't wait to return" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.