in return

USAGE SUMMARY

"in return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being given back as repayment for something else. For example, "I provided him with directions and in return, he offered me some money for my time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I smiled in return.

Independent

In return, the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Canadians got little in return.

The Economist

In return, they expect loyalty.

The New York Times

Now West erred in return.

The New York Times

"He wanted nothing in return.

The New York Times

They want something in return.

The Economist

(In return they received bonuses).

The Economist

Take from them in return".

The New York Times

In return they got content.

The Guardian

She smiles in return.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in return" to clearly indicate a direct reciprocal action or benefit. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the action or benefit being reciprocated is clearly stated or implied. Avoid using "in return" when the context doesn't make the connection obvious, as this can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in return" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a reciprocal action or consequence. It expresses the idea of giving something back or doing something as a response to something else, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in return" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates reciprocity or exchange. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across a broad spectrum of contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. Its primary function is to express that an action or benefit is given back as a consequence or response to something else. While it's appropriate for neutral and professional contexts, it's essential to ensure the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in exchange" or "as a recompense" can be used to add nuance or formality. In conclusion, "in return" is a valuable tool for expressing reciprocal relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in exchange

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of swapping one thing for another.

as a repayment

This alternative suggests a debt being settled or gratitude being shown.

as a quid pro quo

This alternative highlights a direct exchange, often implying a negotiation or agreement.

to give back

This alternative emphasizes the act of returning something that was received.

as a recompense

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes compensation for services or loss.

in consideration of

This alternative emphasizes that something is being done as a result of something else.

by way of reciprocation

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of reciprocating an action or gesture.

in gratitude

This alternative highlights a feeling of thankfulness motivating the reciprocal action.

as a consequence

This alternative implies that the action is a direct result of a previous action or event.

for that matter

This alternative introduces a similar or related point.

FAQs

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

You can use "in return" to indicate that something is being given back as repayment for something else. For example, "I offered her my assistance, and "in return", she shared her knowledge with me."

What are some alternative phrases to "in return"?

Some alternatives to "in return" include "in exchange", "as a repayment", or "as a recompense" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in return"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in return", especially when you want to emphasize the reciprocal action. For example, "In return, I expect you to keep your promise."

What is the difference between "in return" and "in turn"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence or consequence, "in return" specifically implies a reciprocal action or benefit, while "in turn" simply indicates the next step in a sequence. For example, "I helped him with his project; "in return", he offered to help me with mine" versus "Each member will present "in turn"."