intending to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intending to return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a plan or desire to come back to a place or situation in the future. Example: "She left the meeting early, intending to return after her appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He was intending to return to the front when the doctors let him out of hospital.

Independent

They left many favoured objects behind them, fully intending to return".

The Guardian

They moved to Woodstock, N.Y., intending to return to Europe but never making it back.

The New York Times

They left the shaft open, possibly intending to return in another season, and the mound collapsed.

The Guardian

For employees not intending to return to work, statutory basic pay throughout.

The Guardian - Money

At his death, he had been intending to return to New York after visiting a niece in Colorado.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But he intended to return.

The New Yorker

She didn't intend to return.

The New Yorker

He intends to return this year.

The New York Times

She intended to return to Ivy League academia.

The New York Times

She intends to return to France.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intending to return" to clearly express a plan or expectation to come back to a specific place, situation, or activity in the future.

Common error

Avoid using "intending to return" when describing a situation where a return is unlikely or impossible. For example, it's incorrect to say "He left the country, intending to return, but never did" if there's no real expectation of his return.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intending to return" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's plan or expectation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it describes individuals or groups with a specific aim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intending to return" is a versatile participial phrase used to express a planned or expected comeback to a place, situation, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources. While alternatives like "planning to return" or "aiming to come back" exist, "intending to return" offers a clear and direct way to communicate a future intention. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, avoiding its application in scenarios where a return is unlikely, thereby ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning to return

Focuses on the planning aspect of returning.

with the intention of returning

Adds a formal tone by explicitly stating the intention.

aiming to come back

Emphasizes the goal or aim of returning.

fully expecting to return

Reinforces the certainty of returning.

expecting to be back

Highlights the expectation of a return.

having plans to come back

Highlights the existence of plans for returning.

anticipating a return

Implies a sense of looking forward to coming back.

proposing to return

Suggests a formal proposal or decision to return.

contemplating returning

Focuses on thinking about the possibility of returning.

desiring to return

Highlights the desire or wish to return.

FAQs

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

You can use "intending to return" to describe someone's plan or expectation to come back to a place or situation. For example: "She left for a short trip, "intending to return" in a week".

What are some alternatives to "intending to return"?

Alternatives include "planning to return", "aiming to come back", or "expecting to be back", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "intended to return" instead of "intending to return"?

"Intended to return" describes a past intention, while "intending to return" describes a current or ongoing intention. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the timing of the intention.

What's the difference between "hoping to return" and "intending to return"?

"Hoping to return" expresses a wish or desire, while "intending to return" expresses a plan or expectation. The latter implies a higher degree of certainty or commitment.