kindly return

USAGE SUMMARY

"kindly return" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely ask someone to bring something back, or to do something that involves returning something. For example: "Please kindly return the book to the library when you are done reading it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Good luck, Joan, and kindly return the stapler on your way out.

The New Yorker

A typewritten notice posted on the bulletin board of a midtown corporation says, "Will the person who 'borrowed' copy of 'Theory of the Leisure Class' kindly return same to office boys' desk".

The New Yorker

In 1956, as a Nigerian student in England, Soyinka considered joining the Hungarian uprising against the Soviets, thinking it a "perfect rehearsal" for future African insurgencies, but his father advised, "Kindly return home and make this your battlefield".

The New Yorker

By James Devlin and St. Clair McKelway The New Yorker, November 8 , 1952P. 26 A typewritten notice posted on the bulletin board of a midtown corporation says, "Will the person who 'borrowed' copy of 'Theory of the Leisure Class' kindly return same to office boys' desk".

The New Yorker

Kindly return them if possible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I had put them in another player's golf cart, and this evening he kindly returned them to the very comfortable condo belonging to my ex-wife's brother where I am staying here at Indian Balls.

The New Yorker

Update II: McClintock kindly returned our call in short order.

Huffington Post

May he act with kindness and be treated kindly in return.

Huffington Post

Treat him nicely and he will learn to treat you kindly in return.

WikiHow

"I ask kindly: please, please return my mother's passport, and let her come home," said the 14-year-old.

BBC

Ask People To Kindly Wait Until You Return.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kindly return" when a polite and somewhat formal tone is appropriate, such as in professional correspondence or when addressing someone you don't know well. It is best used when requesting the return of an object.

Common error

Avoid using "kindly return" in very casual situations, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "please give it back" or "can you return it" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kindly return" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request. It is used to instruct or ask someone to bring back something, as seen in Ludwig examples where it's used in notices and direct requests. Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kindly return" is a polite, formal imperative phrase used to request the return of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. It's most appropriate in written communication or formal settings where politeness is valued. When a less formal tone is acceptable, alternatives like "please give back" or "can you return it" may be more suitable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating its use in general announcements and instructional content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you please return

A more common and slightly less formal alternative to "kindly return".

would you mind returning

This is a polite request, similar in formality but more indirect.

return at your earliest convenience

A formal and polite way to request a return, emphasizing the recipient's timeline.

I would appreciate its return

Expresses appreciation in advance for the return of something.

please send back

This alternative uses simpler language and is less formal than "kindly return".

please give back

This is a common, less formal way to ask for something to be returned.

return the item

This is a direct instruction, lacking the politeness of "kindly return".

your prompt return is requested

This is a formal and somewhat passive way of requesting something to be returned quickly.

promptly return

Emphasizes speed of return, differing from the politeness focus of "kindly return".

ensure its return

Focuses on making sure something is returned, less about politeness.

FAQs

How can I use "kindly return" in a sentence?

You can use "kindly return" when you want to politely request someone to bring something back. For example, "Please "kindly return" the borrowed book to the library."

What can I say instead of "kindly return"?

You can use alternatives like "please send back", "please give back", or "could you please return" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "kindly return"?

The phrase ""kindly return"" is appropriate in formal or semi-formal settings when requesting the return of an item. It's suitable for written communication like emails or notices, and less so for casual conversations.

Is "kindly return" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, ""kindly return"" can be perceived as overly formal in everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "please give it back" or "can you return it" are generally preferred in informal contexts.