return date

USAGE SUMMARY

'return date' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the date on which something must be returned or delivered. For example: "Please ensure the goods are delivered by the agreed return date of August 27th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His return date is uncertain.

The New York Times

But no return date has been set.

The New York Times

Her scheduled return date is 11 September.

The Guardian - Books

But there is no definite return date.

The Guardian - Sport

An exact return date for Rooney has not been given.

Independent

While he has improved, his return date is uncertain.

The New York Times

His return date is dependent on events, aides said.

The New York Times

Ricco was unwilling to offer a best-case return date.

The New York Times - Sports

Eddie Griffin is also getting closer to a return date.

The New York Times - Sports

And, as yet, he has no return date on Letterman.

The New Yorker

Why didn't he remind you of his return date?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating a "return date", always specify the year to avoid ambiguity, especially in long-term planning.

Common error

Be mindful of your audience's location and preferred date format. Explicitly state the month, day, and year (e.g., 'January 15, 2026') to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return date" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a particular point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it denoting the date on which something or someone is expected to be back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return date" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify when something is expected back. As shown by Ludwig, it's used across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. To ensure clarity, it's recommended to provide the full date (month, day, year) and, if necessary, the time. While the phrase is generally neutral, tailoring your vocabulary to your specific audience is always a good idea. Alternatives include "date of return", "scheduled return", and ""expected return"", offering flexibility in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

date of return

This alternative simply reverses the order of words, maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

agreed-upon return date

This emphasizes that the return date has been mutually agreed upon.

date of arrival back

This option adds the word "back" for emphasis and replaces "return" with "arrival", highlighting the act of coming back.

scheduled return

This highlights the planning aspect, indicating the return is part of a schedule.

resumption date

This phrase uses "resumption" to focus on the act of starting again, suitable for contexts like work or activities.

expected return

This emphasizes the anticipation or prediction of the return.

comeback date

This is a more informal way to say "return date", often used in sports or entertainment contexts.

date of readmission

This option is specific to scenarios involving readmission to a facility or organization.

date of reentry

Similar to "date of readmission", but more general, suitable for any kind of return.

date of repossession

This term is specific to legal or financial contexts where property is being taken back.

FAQs

How to use "return date" in a sentence?

You can use "return date" to indicate when something is expected back. For example, "The library book's "due date" is also its "return date"."

What's a more formal synonym for "return date"?

Depending on the context, a more formal synonym could be "date of return" or "scheduled return".

Is it necessary to specify a time with a "return date"?

While not always necessary, including a specific time with the "return date" can help avoid confusion, especially when dealing with deadlines or time-sensitive returns. For example, "The equipment must be returned by 5 PM on the "agreed upon return date"".

What information should be included when communicating a "return date"?

When communicating a "return date", ensure you include the month, day, and year. If necessary, also include the time and time zone. Clear communication minimizes potential misunderstandings about the "expected return".