must be returned

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be returned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that needs to be returned to an owner or an authority. For example: All library books must be returned by the due date.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Police may seize property, though it must be returned.

The Economist

The nominating ballots must be returned by Jan . 17

The New York Times

Ultimately, the water must be returned to the Pacific.

The Guardian

What was taken by force must be returned by force".

The New York Times

The car must be returned to the same location.

The New York Times

The cancelled spectrum must be returned within four months, and then auctioned off.

The Economist

If the goose is to prosper, it must be returned to the wild.

The Economist

"All chequebooks and cards must be returned to the address above.

The Guardian - Money

But there are no one-way rentals; all vehicles must be returned to Alpine.

The New York Times

Lomai has argued the men must be returned to Australia and compensated for their illegal detention.

The Guardian

Federal dollars that go unspent for three years must be returned to the federal Treasury.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be returned", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for returning the item and to whom or where it should be returned. This clarifies the obligation and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be returned by itself" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying "The book must be returned", specify "The book must be returned by the student" to clarify who has the responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be returned" functions as a passive construction indicating obligation. The modal verb "must" expresses necessity, while "be returned" signifies the action being performed on the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be returned" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong obligation for something to be given back. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. Its frequency is very high, appearing primarily in news, media, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically straightforward, ensuring clarity by specifying who is responsible for the action is crucial. Consider alternatives like "has to be given back" or "needs to be restored" depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is a key element in setting clear expectations and ensuring compliance across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be given back

Emphasizes obligation using "has to", creating a slightly less formal tone than "must be returned".

needs to be restored

Focuses on the act of restoring something to its original condition rather than simply returning it.

is required to be handed over

Highlights the mandatory nature of the action, using a more formal and directive tone.

should be relinquished

Suggests a voluntary giving up of something, though often implying it's still required.

is to be handed back

Uses a more descriptive and less forceful expression of the return action.

is obliged to be restored

Similar to "must be returned" in expressing obligation but specifically focuses on restoration.

is due for restitution

Emphasizes the right or justice in something being returned, often after a loss or theft.

is slated for repatriation

Applies specifically to returning someone or something to their country of origin.

warrants retrieval

Implies that something deserves to be actively sought out and brought back.

demands repatriation

Conveys a strong insistence on something being returned to its country of origin, often due to legal or ethical reasons.

FAQs

How to use "must be returned" in a sentence?

Use "must be returned" to indicate an obligation or requirement for something to be given back. For example, "All library books "must be returned" by the end of the semester".

What can I say instead of "must be returned"?

You can use alternatives like "has to be given back", "needs to be restored", or "is required to be handed over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "must be returned" or "should be returned"?

"Must be returned" indicates a stronger obligation than "should be returned". Use "must" when there is a firm requirement and "should" when it is a recommendation.

What's the difference between "must be returned" and "needs to be returned"?

"Must be returned" conveys a formal or legal obligation, while "needs to be returned" suggests a necessity but might not carry the same level of enforcement. "Needs to be returned" implies a requirement, while ""must be returned"" suggests a stronger, more binding obligation.