forthwith return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forthwith return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to indicate an immediate or prompt return. Example: "The committee has decided that all members must forthwith return to their posts to address the urgent matters at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Did Mr. Bernstein, who readily acknowledged that he had withdrawn the money from his bank only a few hours earlier and would forthwith return it, make his point?

The New York Times

Judge Jones's order declared, "All third parties informed of this order shall forthwith return or destroy all copies of documents that the government has stated were inadvertently posted on its Web site, as well as any other documents reflecting the confidential information contained therein".

The New York Times

The law allows the attorney general, and through her the I.N.S., to parole an alien, with this proviso: "When the purposes of such parole shall, in the opinion of the attorney general, have been served, the alien shall forthwith return or be returned to the custody from which he was paroled".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The group's Web site calls for a nation where "only those of pure White blood" who are not Jewish or gay can be citizens, and demanding that "all non-Whites currently residing in America be required to leave the nation forthwith and return to their land of origin: peacefully or by force".

The New York Times

She would have to return forthwith to Blighty and pay for her sins by living with her mother!

The Guardian - Books

The state court then entered an order that a writ be issued, directed to the sheriff of the county, requiring him immediately to seize and deliver to Kelso all the property which Connor had in his possession, and forthwith to make a return to the court.

Cornell University

Fourth, Bosnia must forthwith settle the nagging issue of the ownership of defense property.

Huffington Post

"Children are hereby permitted to return to their respective schools forthwith and otherwise to assemble in public places," Judge Rolf Thorsen wrote in his Friday decision.

The Washington Post

"Children are hereby permitted to return to their respective schools forthwith and otherwise to assemble in public places," Judge Rolf Thorsen wrote in his decision, as our colleague Frances Stead Sellers reports.

The Washington Post

He promised to release tax returns forthwith.

The Washington Post

The vandalised phone box, a much-loved landmark of the square for more than 60 years - a Jubilee model, no less, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V - would surely be repaired and returned forthwith.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether the formality of "forthwith" aligns with the tone of your document. If you are writing for a general audience, a more common synonym like "immediately" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "forthwith return" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious outside of legal or official documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forthwith return" functions as an adverbial modifier specifying the manner and timing of the verb "return". It is used to emphasize the immediate nature of the return. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forthwith return" is a formal expression indicating an immediate and prompt return. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most suitable for legal, official, or business contexts where a sense of urgency and authority is required. While its use is somewhat rare, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its proper application. When in doubt, consider more common alternatives such as "return immediately" or "promptly return" to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return immediately

Emphasizes the immediacy of the return, using a more common adverb.

return at once

Highlights the necessity of returning without delay.

promptly return

Indicates a return that should happen without any delay.

return without delay

Stresses the absence of any permissible delay in the return.

return straightaway

Suggests that the return should be direct and immediate.

make an immediate return

Rephrases the instruction to use a verb to emphasize the action.

return directly

Indicates a return that should be without any detours.

execute a prompt return

Uses more formal language to emphasize the return.

effect an immediate return

Similar to execute, but highlights the effectiveness of the return.

be back without delay

Expresses the idea as a state of being rather than an action.

FAQs

What does "forthwith" mean?

"Forthwith" is an adverb that means immediately or without delay. It is often used in legal and formal contexts.

How can I use "forthwith" in a sentence?

You can use "forthwith" to indicate that something should be done immediately, such as "The documents must be submitted forthwith."

What are some alternatives to "forthwith return"?

Alternatives include "return immediately", "return at once", or "promptly return", depending on the context.

In what type of writing is the phrase "forthwith return" most appropriate?

The phrase "forthwith return" is best suited for legal documents, formal notices, or official communications where a sense of urgency and authority is required.