has to be given back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to be given back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something must be returned to its original owner or place. Example: "The library book has to be given back by the end of the week to avoid late fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"When a citizen has asked to get it back, then the data has to be given back," Ms. Reding said in the interview.

The New York Times - Tech

It has to be given back.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Qd4 would have to be given back after 17 Nd7 Kd7 17 Qf3.

The New York Times

I think the police have to be given back power but this guy was overly aggressive, terribly aggressive.

The Washington Post

Vote Labor and not only will you not get this important infrastructure, but $3bn will have to be given back to the federal government," she said.

The Guardian

They reject the idea, embraced by most Israelis, that almost all the West Bank will have to be given back.Nominally, Israel accepts that it must stop all settlement building on both sides of the barrier and in East Jerusalem.

The Economist

The administrator emphasized that while the wrongly distributed refunds would have to be given back, the people who got them would be able to do so gradually, if necessary.

The New York Times

Any Social Security used after someone's death will have to be given back.

Vice

Although the protocol dictated that gastric retention volumes of less than 200 ml in 6 hours had to be given back, 34% (266 of 791) of gastric retention volumes of less than 200 ml/hour were discarded.

Critical Care

They will obviously have to be given a backing of some kind.

The Guardian - Arts

"We have complained to government institutions that our votes have been stolen and that we have to be given our rights back," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has to be given back", ensure the context clearly identifies both the item being returned and the recipient. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "has to be given back" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to go back" or "must return" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to be given back" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where something is required to be returned, whether it's data, an object, or a right.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has to be given back" is a grammatically sound and usable expression signifying an obligation to return something. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relative formality suggests considering alternatives like "must be returned" or "needs to be returned" in less formal contexts. The phrase finds its primary usage in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify both the item and recipient when using this phrase. Though not overly common, understanding its proper usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be returned

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of returning something.

needs to be returned

Indicates a need or requirement for returning something.

is required to be returned

More formal way of expressing the necessity of returning something.

is obliged to return

Highlights a legal or moral obligation to return something.

should be returned

Suggests a recommendation or expectation for returning something.

ought to be given back

Similar to 'should', but carries a stronger sense of moral duty.

should be handed back

Replaces 'given' with 'handed', implying a more direct physical return.

is compelled to return

Stresses that external pressure or force necessitates the return.

is bound to be returned

Implies an inevitable or certain return, often due to pre-existing agreements.

is slated for return

Suggests that the return has been scheduled or planned.

FAQs

What does "has to be given back" mean?

The phrase "has to be given back" means something is required to be returned to its original owner or place.

What can I say instead of "has to be given back"?

You can use alternatives like "must be returned", "needs to be returned", or "is required to be returned" depending on the context.

When should I use "has to be given back" in a sentence?

Use "has to be given back" when you want to emphasize the obligation or necessity of returning something. It's suitable for situations where there's a clear requirement for return.

Is "has to be given back" formal or informal?

The phrase "has to be given back" leans towards formal, so in informal contexts consider using "needs to go back" or "must return".