please return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please return" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to return something to you, whether it is an object or a favor. Example: "Please return the book you borrowed from me".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Please return to the Spiderhead".

The New Yorker

If found, please return to Elaine May".

The New Yorker

Now, please return to that bracket.

The New York Times

"If found, please return to Charlotte Rampling".

The Guardian - Film

"Please return the document without further adieu".

The New Yorker

"Please please please return," Hart writes.

The Guardian

Please return the ring, which was of course a loan.

The New Yorker

Please return your hat to ToyCorp for a replacement.

The New Yorker

("If found please return to Erwin Schrödinger. Dead or alive").

The Economist

Mr. Giuliani, could you please return to your podium?

The New York Times

Dear Hanoi Jane: please return to the broader political fray.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional manuals or user guides, use "please return" to guide users on returning defective or unwanted products, detailing the return process and any associated policies.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the exact item to be returned, the condition it should be in, and the destination. Vague requests can lead to confusion and non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please return" functions as an imperative, typically used to politely request someone to give back something or go back to a place. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please return" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative phrase for politely requesting something back or asking someone to go back. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its widespread use is supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and TechCrunch. While appropriate in various contexts, it's essential to ensure clarity in your request by specifying what needs to be returned and any relevant instructions. Alternatives like "kindly give back" or "please revert" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid redundancy by not using "back" after "return".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please bring back

Focuses on the action of physically returning an object.

kindly give back

Emphasizes politeness in asking for something to be returned.

could you send back

A more indirect and polite way of asking for something to be returned.

please revert

Suggests a return to a previous state or condition, often used in professional contexts.

return, if you please

Inverts the phrase for a more formal or emphatic tone.

please restore

Implies returning something to its original condition or place.

do return

Adds emphasis to the request for a return.

please go back

Requests someone to return to a previous location or situation.

please repay

Implies the return of something that was borrowed, often money.

please remit

Primarily used in financial or legal contexts.

FAQs

How to use "please return" in a sentence?

You can use "please return" to politely request something back. For example, "Please return the book to the library by next week" or "Please return to your seats after the intermission".

What can I say instead of "please return"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "please return"?

"Please return" is appropriate when you want to politely request someone to give something back, whether it's a physical object, a state, or a position. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Is "please return back" grammatically correct?

While "return" already implies going back, using "back" after "return" is redundant and generally considered incorrect. It's better to simply use "please return".