it returns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it returns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of something coming back or being sent back, often in the context of functions or processes in programming or general descriptions. Example: "After processing the data, the function executes and it returns the final result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rabbi prays and it returns to its place.

Wikipedia

It returns the musical to its playful, populist roots.

The New Yorker

It says it returns all profits to its funds' investors.

Forbes

And then — it returns.

The New York Times

It returns object.

Stanford University

It returns this Saturday afternoon.

The New York Times - Arts

(It returns in May).

The New York Times - Arts

It returns this April.

The Guardian

When it passes it returns never more.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it returns quickly.

Unicef

It returns array.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it returns" when describing the output of a function or process, or when indicating the recurrence of an event or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "it returns" in very simple situations where a more direct verb like "gives" or "shows" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it returns" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of something coming back, yielding a result, or reverting to a previous state. As supported by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it returns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. As Ludwig AI indicates, its main function is to describe something coming back, yielding a result, or reverting to a previous state. While versatile, avoiding its overuse in overly simple scenarios can enhance writing clarity. Related phrases include "it comes back", "it yields", and "it provides", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it comes back

Focuses on the action of returning, simplifying the original phrase.

it reverts

Emphasizes a return to a previous state or condition.

it is coming back

Progressive form emphasizing the ongoing nature of the return.

it yields

Highlights the result or output produced.

it restores

Indicates a return to a former condition or place.

it provides

Stresses the action of supplying or furnishing something.

it is restored

Passive form emphasizing the action of restoration.

it recurs

Highlights the repeated occurrence or return.

it's back

A more informal and concise way to express the return of something.

it's recovered

Focuses on the act of regaining something lost or taken.

FAQs

How can I use "it returns" in a sentence?

The phrase "it returns" is used to describe the action of something coming back or being sent back, often in the context of functions or processes in programming, or general descriptions. For example, "After processing the data, the function executes and it returns the final result."

What are some alternatives to "it returns"?

You can use alternatives like "it yields", "it provides", or "it restores" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it returns back"?

While "it returns" already implies a movement back, adding "back" is redundant and should be avoided. Simply use "it returns".

What's the difference between "it returns" and "it will return"?

"It returns" describes a present or habitual action, whereas "it will return" refers to a future action. For example, "The function returns a value immediately", versus "The function will return a value after processing the data".