is returning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is returning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is coming back or going back to a previous place or state. Example: "The train is returning to the station after a long journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hope is returning.

Independent

Confidence, too, is returning.

The New York Times

The confidence is returning".

Independent

It is returning in fire.

The New York Times - Books

Finally he is returning home.

Independent

"But the activity is returning".

The New York Times

America is returning to Vietnam.

The New Yorker

Simon Cowell is returning.

The Telegraph

Now he is returning.

The New York Times - Arts

Investor confidence is returning.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is returning all outside investors' money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is returning" to indicate a person, object, or concept is going back to a previous place, state, or condition. Ensure the context clearly specifies where or what it is returning to.

Common error

Avoid using "is returning" without specifying where the subject is returning to. For example, instead of saying 'Confidence is returning', specify 'Confidence "is returning to the market"' for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is returning" functions as a present progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of coming or going back. As supported by Ludwig AI, it describes a process currently in progress, whether it's a physical return or a return to a previous state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is returning" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe the act of someone or something coming back to a previous place, state, or activity. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various reputable sources, especially in News & Media. For clarity, always specify where or what is coming back to. While generally neutral, context can impact formality. For alternatives consider "is coming back" or "is reappearing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is coming back

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on the act of returning.

is making a comeback

Emphasizes a return to popularity or prominence after a period of decline.

is reappearing

Focuses on the act of becoming visible or noticeable again.

is being restored

Highlights the process of bringing something back to its original condition or state.

is reverting

Suggests a return to a previous state, behavior, or condition.

is rallying

Implies a return to strength or activity after a period of weakness or inactivity.

is on the mend

Indicates a return to health or well-being after illness or injury.

is finding its way back

Describes a gradual or uncertain return to a previous path or situation.

is making its way back

Similar to 'is finding its way back', but perhaps with more direction and less chance.

is headed back

Indicates a clear direction of return.

FAQs

What does "is returning" mean?

The phrase "is returning" means that someone or something is in the process of coming back to a place, condition, or activity they were previously involved in.

What are some alternatives to "is returning"?

You can use alternatives like "is coming back", "is making a comeback", or "is reappearing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "is returning" in a sentence?

You can use "is returning" to describe a physical return (e.g., 'The team is returning home') or a return to a previous state (e.g., 'Sanity "is returning to the market"').

What is the difference between "is returning" and "will return"?

"Is returning" describes an action happening in the present, while "will return" describes an action that will happen in the future. For example, 'The package is returning to sender' (present) versus 'The package "will return" tomorrow' (future).