return en masse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return en masse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a large group of people or things comes back at the same time. Example: "After the event was over, the attendees began to return en masse to their homes, filling the streets with a sea of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Since most inhabitants of Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Munich, London and beyond now also do major disappearing acts from their cities in the summer, they too return en masse.

The New York Times - Arts

The return en masse of refugees as a political strategy would provide a measure of international legitimacy to the Syrian government.

The Washington Post

American leaders such as Madeleine Albright, then the secretary of state, openly called on Bosnian Muslim refugees to return en masse to their former places of residence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the past, Colonel Qaddafi has proposed that Palestinian refugees should return en masse by ship to Israel's shores, and that Israel and the Palestinian territories should be combined into one state called Isratine.

The New York Times

Still, it is hard to imagine the native-born work force itching to return en masse to housekeeping, landscaping, car washing, meatpacking, poultry plucking and street-corner day labor.

The New York Times

Sharon had spurned negotiation as long as Palestinians asserted claims to return en masse to Israel, but even as they kept putting forward that non-starter, he met with the new prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But these paragons are now returning en masse to the mother country (just as America makes life more difficult for immigrants).

The Economist

Many of us grew up in a time where native children who had been adopted into white families were returning en masse.

Huffington Post

Their return to riding "en masse in colours" was the last thing she wanted.

The Guardian

The "Arab Spring" turned chilly in November 2012 as protesters returned en masse to Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a midwinter hiatus, several hundred protesters returned en masse on Tuesday, as parliament was preparing to return from recess.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return en masse" to describe a significant number of people or things returning to a place or state simultaneously. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the scale and impact of the return. For example, "After the pandemic, tourists began to "return en masse", revitalizing the local economy."

Common error

Avoid using "return en masse" for small groups or individual returns. The phrase implies a substantial number, so using it inaccurately can dilute its impact and create a misleading impression. Ensure the scale of the return warrants the use of this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return en masse" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of a large group returning to a place or state. It emphasizes the scale and simultaneity of the return. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return en masse" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the simultaneous return of a large group. According to Ludwig, it's fully correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and maintains a formal to neutral register. When considering alternatives, options like "return in large numbers" or "flock back" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use the phrase when describing a significant number of entities returning at once to maintain accuracy and impact. Ludwig AI confirms all these findings based on an analysis of numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return in large numbers

Replaces the french term "en masse" with the english equivalent "in large numbers".

come back in droves

Emphasizes the large quantity of people returning and their collective movement.

flock back

Suggests a gathering or return driven by a shared purpose or attraction.

converge again

Focuses on the act of coming together at a specific location after a period of separation.

gather en masse

Shifts the focus to the gathering aspect rather than the return, while maintaining the large-scale nature.

mass repatriation

Specifically refers to the return of people to their country of origin, often refugees or displaced persons.

large-scale return

Rephrases the idea using more descriptive terms to highlight the size and scope of the return.

mass homecoming

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of returning home, especially after a long absence.

troop back

Suggests a return in an organized or orderly manner, like soldiers returning to base.

swarm back

Implies a return that is numerous and perhaps overwhelming, like insects swarming.

FAQs

What does "return en masse" mean?

The phrase "return en masse" means to return in a large group or all together. It implies that many people or things are returning to a place or condition at the same time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "return en masse"?

It's appropriate to use "return en masse" when you want to emphasize that a large number of entities are returning simultaneously. For example, "After the war, refugees began to "return in large numbers" to their homeland".

What are some alternatives to "return en masse"?

Some alternatives to "return en masse" include "return in large numbers", "flock back", or "come back in droves". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "return en masse" formal or informal?

"Return en masse" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news and media or formal writing. Its usage depends on the audience and the overall tone of the communication. However, a more straightforward phrasing like "return in large numbers" may sound less foreign to an audience.