he can return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability or permission to come back to a place or situation. Example: "After completing his mission, he can return to the base at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Ball he sees someone who just wants to get healthy so he can return to playing basketball.

Los Angeles Times

He can return kicks.

The New York Times

He can return Saturday at Tampa Bay.

The New York Times

Perhaps he can return tonight?

The New York Times - Magazine

He can return March 5 at Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Sports

After he mates, he can return to his "pair bond".

The New York Times

Maybe, now, he can return to the "Ring".

The New York Times

That makes some skeptical that he can return to form.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not known if and when he can return to action.

The New York Times

The market for Forsett expands considering that he can return punts.

The New York Times

In July, Steinbrenner gets a reprieve from Vincent and is told he can return to baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying the context of returning, specify the circumstances using prepositions like "to", "from", or "after" to ensure clarity (e.g., "he can return to the team", "he can return after his suspension", "he can return from his leave")

Common error

Avoid using "he can return" when a stronger expression of certainty is needed. For instance, if a return is guaranteed, use "he will return" instead to reflect definite future action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can return" functions as a statement of possibility or permission. It expresses that an individual has the ability or is allowed to come back to a certain place, state, or activity. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he can return" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating the possibility or permission for someone to come back. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct in written English. It is particularly common in news and media contexts, and its usage spans various scenarios, from sports to international affairs. While versatile, choosing alternatives like "he is able to come back" might offer a more specific nuance. When using the phrase, it's important to consider whether you want to emphasize ability, permission, or simply the possibility of a return. Pay attention to the overall level of certainty you want to convey. Ensure that you clarify the specific circumstances related to the return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is able to come back

Emphasizes the ability to return, rather than just the possibility.

he has the option to return

Highlights the availability of a choice or opportunity to return.

he is permitted to return

Focuses on the permission or authorization granted for the return.

he may come back

Indicates a possibility, but with less certainty than "can".

he is allowed to return

Similar to 'permitted', but emphasizes the lack of restriction.

he has the right to return

Emphasizes an inherent entitlement to return.

he is eligible to return

Highlights meeting the necessary requirements for returning.

he is free to return

Emphasizes the absence of impediments preventing his return.

he is entitled to return

Highlights a justified claim or right to return.

returning is possible for him

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the possibility from a different perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "he can return" in a sentence?

"He can return" is used to indicate someone's ability or permission to come back to a place or situation. For example, "After completing his mission, "he can return" to the base at any time."

What can I say instead of "he can return"?

You can use alternatives like "he is able to come back", "he has the option to return", or "he is permitted to return" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "he can return"?

It's appropriate when discussing someone's possibility, ability or permission to come back to a place, position, or state. The phrase is appropriate for most types of communications, from formal reports to casual conversations.

What's the difference between "he can return" and "he will return"?

"He can return" expresses possibility or permission, while "he will return" expresses certainty about a future return. Use ""he can return"" when the return is contingent on certain conditions; use "he will return" when the return is definite.