is safe to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is safe to return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that it is now secure for someone or something to go back to a previous location or situation. Example: "After the storm passed, the authorities declared that it is safe to return to the evacuated areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

That could provide guidance on when it is safe to return players to games.

The New York Times - Sports

Normally a survey would be conducted to establish whether they think it is safe to return.

The Economist

I call my mother to check whether it is safe to return.

The Guardian

Many have sent family members back to Grozny this summer to conduct reconnaissance on whether it is safe to return.

The New York Times

[The Guardian] Japan lifts some evacuation advisories around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to persuade tens of thousands of residents that it is safe to return home.

The New York Times

Many of the displaced are living in camps around Peshawar, the capital of the North-West Frontier Province, and remain unconvinced that it is safe to return.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Whether it is safer to return to unlocked cockpits and increase the risk of hijackings is far from clear.

The Economist

Asked when it might be safe to return, they were told in four or five days.

The New York Times

They were hugging when the speakers announced that it was safe to return to their offices.

The New York Times

Others were advised it might not be safe to return home.

The Guardian

Even if it were safe to return to the army, Ammar said, he probably wouldn't.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is safe to return", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'safe'. For instance, specify the criteria used to determine safety, such as acceptable radiation levels, the cessation of hostilities, or structural integrity assessments.

Common error

Avoid using "is safe to return" without clarifying what 'safe' means in the specific situation. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and potentially dangerous decisions. Always provide necessary context and criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is safe to return" functions as a predicate adjective followed by an infinitive. It asserts a condition or state of being regarding the safety of returning to a previous location or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is safe to return" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys reassurance about the security of returning to a place or situation. According to Ludwig AI, its function is to inform and reassure, communicating that a risk assessment has deemed the return acceptably secure. It's frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "it is secure to go back" or "returning poses no threat" exist, the key is to ensure clarity regarding the specific criteria that define 'safe' in any given scenario. By providing context and avoiding ambiguity, communicators can effectively use "is safe to return" to convey accurate and reassuring information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is secure to go back

Focuses on the security aspect of returning, suggesting a protected environment.

it's now secure enough to return

Highlights the present state of security, framing the return as a response.

it is risk-free to go back

Emphasizes the absence of danger, making it explicit that returning poses no threat.

it is advisable to return

Shifts the focus to recommendation based on assessed conditions, not just safety.

returning poses no threat

Focuses on the lack of threat or danger upon returning.

it is permissible to go back

Highlights that permission has been granted, which implies an authorization process.

the all-clear has been given

Uses an idiom to indicate that danger has passed and it's now safe.

the danger has subsided enough to return

Specifies that the reduction in danger is the reason for considering a return.

the situation allows for a return

Emphasizes that circumstances are conducive to returning, framing it as a possibility.

conditions are right for returning

Stresses suitability of the conditions as the reason for thinking about returning.

FAQs

What does "is safe to return" imply?

The phrase "is safe to return" suggests that a previously dangerous or unsuitable location or situation has improved, and the risks associated with returning are now acceptably low. It implies an assessment has been made to determine the level of risk.

What factors determine whether "it is safe to return" after a natural disaster?

After a natural disaster, factors such as structural integrity of buildings, presence of hazardous materials, availability of essential services, and security against looting all play a role in determining whether "it is secure to go back".

Which is more appropriate: "it is safe to return" or "it is secure to return"?

While both "it is safe to return" and "it is secure to return" are grammatically correct, "safe" generally refers to freedom from harm or danger, whereas "secure" implies protection against threats. The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of risk involved. "Safe" is generally more applicable to environmental or accidental hazards, while "secure" is more suitable for situations involving intentional threats or security concerns.

How do authorities reassure people that "it is safe to return"?

Authorities often use a combination of public announcements, scientific data, expert assessments, and visible security measures to reassure people that "returning poses no threat". Transparency and clear communication are essential.