it returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it returned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has come back or reverted to a previous state or location. Example: "After a long journey, it returned to its original place on the shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At least, that was its destiny... until it returned.

Huffington Post

It returned the next day.

The New York Times

When was it returned?

The Guardian

On Saturday, it returned.

The Guardian - Sport

(It returned to grid power later Sunday).

The New York Times - Science

It returned me to my artistic roots.

The New York Times - Arts

Last December, it returned to Discovery.

The New York Times

Barack Obama had it returned to Britain.

The New York Times - Books

It returned a strong "yes".

The Guardian

Or rather, it returned his father's $19.99.

The New York Times

Last year, it returned just over 13 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it returned" to clearly indicate a subject's recurrence, whether it's a physical object, a state, or an event. This phrasing is suitable for various formal and informal contexts.

Common error

When using "it returned", ensure that the antecedent of 'it' is unambiguous within the context. Vague references can confuse the reader. For example, clarify "The service was temporarily suspended. It returned after maintenance" by specifying what 'it' refers to: "The service returned after maintenance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it returned" functions as a simple declarative statement indicating the past action of returning. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The Examples provided show its function in various contexts, specifying that a subject has come back or reverted to a previous state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it returned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that something has come back or reverted to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for various communication needs. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity of the antecedent is crucial to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it came back" or "it reappeared" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came back

Simple and direct synonym for "it returned", emphasizing the act of coming back to a previous state or location.

it reappeared

Focuses on the aspect of something becoming visible again after being absent.

it was restored

Highlights the restoration of something to its original condition or state.

it reverted

Indicates a return to a former state, practice, or belief.

it resumed

Emphasizes the continuation of something after an interruption.

it was reinstated

Specifically refers to the restoration of someone or something to a previous position or condition.

it bounced back

Suggests a quick recovery or return to a previous state, often after a setback.

it made a comeback

Implies a return to popularity or success after a period of decline.

it was revived

Focuses on bringing something back to life or vigor after a period of inactivity.

it recurred

Indicates that something happened again, especially at intervals.

FAQs

What does "it returned" mean?

The phrase "it returned" means that something came back, reappeared, or reverted to a previous state or location. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "it returned"?

You can use alternatives like "it came back", "it reappeared", or "it was restored" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it returned" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it returned" is grammatically correct. It consists of the pronoun "it" and the past tense verb "returned", forming a simple declarative statement.

How to use "it returned" in a sentence?

You can use "it returned" in a sentence to indicate that something has come back or reverted to a previous state. For example: "After a long journey, "it returned" to its original place on the shelf."