needs to be returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'needs to be returned' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that should be given back to the person or place from where it was obtained. For example, "The library book needs to be returned by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 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

Mr. Akin, said Mr. Mathes, believed that "America needs to be returned to its roots, its Judeo-Christian roots".

The New York Times

An independent medical evaluation found in 2013 that if he is ever to recover from his ordeal, he urgently needs to be returned home.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

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

University of California, Berkeley

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

Columbia University

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be returned", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who needs to return what to whom.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "needs to be returned" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "has to go back" or "should be given back" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be returned" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that an object or entity requires the action of being returned. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

29%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be returned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that conveys the necessity of returning something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the appropriate level of formality. When writing, be mindful of clearly defining the subject and object to avoid ambiguity. In more informal settings, consider alternatives like "must be given back" or "should be restored" for a less formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is required to be returned

Formal and emphasizes the necessity of the return.

Must be given back

Emphasizes obligation or requirement of returning.

Is due for return

Highlights the scheduled or expected time for returning something.

Should be restored

Focuses on returning something to its original condition or place.

Has to be handed back

Informal, emphasizing the act of physically returning something.

Warrants restitution

Formal, implies a justified or legal obligation to return something.

Demands retrieval

Emphasizes the urgency or importance of getting something back.

Calls for repatriation

Specifically used for returning someone or something to their country of origin.

Is subject to recall

Indicates that something must be returned, often due to a defect or issue.

Obligated to revert

Implies a contractual or moral duty to return to a previous state or owner.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be returned" in a sentence?

You can use "needs to be returned" to indicate that something must be given back. For example, "The borrowed book needs to be returned to the library."

What are some alternatives to "needs to be returned"?

Alternatives include "must be given back", "should be restored", or "is required to be returned", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "need to be returned" instead of "needs to be returned"?

Both "need to be returned" and "needs to be returned" are grammatically correct, but they are used with different subjects. "Need to be returned" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The books need to be returned"), while "needs to be returned" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The book needs to be returned").

What is the difference between "needs to be returned" and "should be returned"?

"Needs to be returned" implies a requirement or obligation, while "should be returned" suggests a recommendation or advisability. "Needs to be returned" is stronger and indicates a greater urgency or necessity.