return in time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return in time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should come back or arrive before a specific event or deadline. Example: "I need to return in time for the meeting to ensure I can contribute to the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Russell hopes to return in time for Punchestown.

The Guardian - Sport

He might not return in time for the season finale against Málaga on June 1.

The New York Times - Sports

He would return in time for vespers, from the direction of the North River.

The New Yorker

It will return in time for its fall season at City Center.

The New York Times

He even failed to return in time for his inauguration, which had to be postponed.

The Guardian

He said he saw no reason why he should not return in time for the opener.

The New York Times - Sports

Torres should be able to return in time for Spain's World Cup opener against Switzerland on June 16.

The New York Times

Plus, it's close enough to Manhattan to zip there for an audition and return in time for makeup.

The New York Times

Alastair is hopeful of a return in time for the fourth round in Cape Town late next month.

The Guardian - Sport

The group was trying to return in time for a vote on the Aviation Safety Enhancement Act.

The New York Times

His agent said he hoped Abraham could return in time for the playoffs, if the Jets made them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return in time for", ensure the context clearly indicates what "time" refers to. Be specific about the event or deadline.

Common error

Ensure the specified deadline is clear and understood. Vague references can lead to misinterpretations and missed events. Use specific times and dates when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return in time for" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a specific deadline or event that necessitates someone's presence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return in time for" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to emphasize the importance of being back before a specific event or deadline. Ludwig confirms this. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various situations. When using the phrase, clarity is key to avoid misunderstandings. Consider alternatives such as "be back by" or "get back before" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be back by

Focuses on the deadline for returning, implying a specific time.

get back before

Emphasizes the action of returning before a certain point.

come back before

Similar to "get back before" but emphasizes the return journey.

arrive in advance of

Formal alternative, stressing the importance of arriving early.

be present at

Highlights being at a particular event.

make it to

Indicates succeeding in arriving at an event.

rejoin by

Suggests rejoining a group or activity before a specific time.

get there for

Simple and direct way of saying you'll be there at the required time.

be available for

Indicates being free or ready for an event.

be back in readiness for

Stresses the state of being prepared upon returning.

FAQs

How can I use "return in time for" in a sentence?

You can use "return in time for" to indicate the necessity of being back before a certain event. For example, "I need to return in time for the meeting" or "He hopes to return in time for the playoffs".

What are some alternatives to "return in time for"?

You can use alternatives like "be back by", "get back before", or "arrive in advance of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "return in time for" or "returned in time for"?

"Return in time for" is used when discussing a future action or plan. "Returned in time for" is used to describe a past event where someone successfully returned before something else. Both are correct, but context matters.

What's the difference between "return in time for" and "be present at"?

"Return in time for" implies a journey or absence before being present. "Be present at" simply means attending an event, without necessarily implying a prior absence or the need to return from somewhere.