have to return

USAGE SUMMARY

'have to return' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one is required to go back to an initial location or state. Examples: I have to return these books to the library before the due date. After our vacation, we have to return to the office and finish all our work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have to return," he said.

The New Yorker

I'll have to return well again".

The New York Times - Sports

But you have to return".

The New York Times - Books

"You have to return things like that".

The New York Times

Sometime, perhaps, the crew will have to return, he speculates.

Independent

After yesterday's blasts though, he might have to return home.

The New York Times

Of course, you also have to return phone calls promptly.

The New York Times

We'd have to return to try out the other course.

The New York Times

Rulli and Greenberg would have to return next month.

The New Yorker

For what, really, did I have to return to?

The New York Times - Books

It's a shame to have to return to that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have to return" when indicating a necessity or obligation to go back to a place, state, or action. Ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the required return.

Common error

Avoid using the wrong tense when using "have to return". Ensure the tense aligns with the timeline of the action. For example, use "had to return" for past actions and "will have to return" for future actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have to return" functions as a modal verb construction expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that an action of going back or bringing back is required. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have to return" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an obligation or necessity to go back or bring something back. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media but also across science, formal business, and general communication. When writing, ensure the tense is consistent and appropriate for the timeline of the action, and consider using synonyms like "must go back" or "need to return" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must go back

Emphasizes obligation or necessity, similar to "have to return" but with a stronger sense of compulsion.

need to return

Indicates a requirement to go back, similar in meaning but slightly less forceful than "have to return".

are required to return

Formally expresses the obligation to return, suitable for official or legal contexts.

are obliged to return

Formally states a duty or obligation to return, often used in legal or contractual contexts.

are compelled to return

Highlights that someone is forced to return, often due to external circumstances.

should return

Suggests a recommendation or advisability to return, rather than a strict necessity.

are bound to return

Indicates a commitment or inevitability to return, whether by duty or circumstance.

ought to return

Implies a moral or advisory obligation to return, similar to 'should return' but slightly more formal.

are expected to return

Suggests that a return is anticipated or looked forward to, without necessarily implying a strict obligation.

are going back

Indicates an intention to return, but it can lack the sense of obligation or necessity that "have to return" often implies.

FAQs

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

Use "have to return" to express an obligation or necessity to go back. For example, "I "have to return" the book to the library", or "They "have to return" home after the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "have to return"?

Alternatives include "must go back", "need to return", or "are required to return", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have got to return" instead of "have to return"?

Yes, "have got to return" is an informal alternative to ""have to return"" and carries the same meaning of obligation or necessity. However, it's more appropriate for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "have to return" and "get to return"?

"Have to return" indicates an obligation, whereas "get to return" suggests a privilege or opportunity. For example, "I have to return this item because it's faulty" versus "I get to return to my hometown for the holidays".