need to be returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something must be sent back or given back to its original owner or place. Example: "The library books you borrowed need to be returned by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

And I agree, funding does need to be returned to schools at all levels.

University of California, Berkeley

Paper tickets need to be returned to the Midway refund department.

The New York Times - Travel

Completed forms need to be returned to the OMO Manager, Technical Services no later than one week before sailing.

Columbia University

The memo added: "Despite this, more than 80,000 persons could potentially need to be returned in the near future".

The Guardian

It involved "looking after all clothing samples that come in and then need to be returned to various PR agencies".

The Guardian

A short sale involves borrowing shares to sell them, hoping the price will fall before they need to be returned at the original price.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Control of data needs to be returned to the patient.

The Guardian

"That needs to be returned to the horses," she said.

The Washington Post

No matter whose body it is, it needs to be returned to the families, right?

The New York Times

"It needs to be returned to him or purchased from him in some fair way".

The New York Times

The store's computer system generated a list of titles that weren't selling and needed to be returned.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be returned", ensure the subject requiring return is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'The borrowed books need to be returned' instead of just 'They need to be returned'.

Common error

Avoid using "need to return" when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "You need to return the item" use "The item needs to be returned" to shift focus away from the actor and onto the item itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be returned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something requires the action of being returned. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to be returned" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to indicate a requirement or obligation for something to be sent back. Its prevalence across various contexts—news, academia, and general writing—underscores its widespread applicability. While maintaining a neutral register, clarity in identifying the subject requiring return is crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "must be sent back" or "should be given back" depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires to be returned

Emphasizes the necessity for something to be returned.

must be sent back

Indicates a stronger obligation for returning something.

is required for return

Highlights the requirement specifically related to the act of returning.

is essential to return

Similar to 'requires to be returned' but uses essential instead.

is imperative to return

Similar to 'requires to be returned' but uses imperative instead, implying a greater urgency.

should be given back

Suggests a recommendation or advisability for returning something.

it is obligatory to return

Uses a slightly more formal and emphatic way to express the need for something to be returned.

it is mandatory to return

Similar to obligatory, but focuses on the mandatory aspect of returning something.

it is compulsory to return

Similar to mandatory, but emphasizes that the action is legally or officially required.

has to be restored

Focuses on the act of bringing something back to its original condition or place.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "need to be returned"?

You can use phrases like "must be sent back", "should be given back", or "has to be restored" depending on the context.

Is "need to be returned" grammatically correct?

Yes, "need to be returned" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that something requires the action of being returned.

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

"Need to be returned" indicates a requirement or necessity, while "must be returned" implies a stronger obligation or imperative. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

How do I use "need to be returned" in a sentence?

Use "need to be returned" to indicate that an item or object requires the action of being returned to its original location or owner. For example, "The application forms "need to be returned" by November 24."