return journey

USAGE SUMMARY

'return journey' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a journey back to a place after having visited another place. For example: We have planned a return journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All five perished on their return journey.

The Guardian

The return journey we were attacked again.

The Guardian

The return journey was hard but rewarding.

The Guardian - Travel

The next morning, we began our return journey, heading south.

The New Yorker

It capsized on the return journey and everyone drowned.

Independent

Brooks was silent for the return journey to J.S.S. Thrasher.

The New Yorker

The next day, the pair began their return journey.

The New York Times

This procedure was followed, in reverse, on the return journey.

Independent

Tells about his return journey on the H.M.S. Ranee.

The New Yorker

Gilgamesh finds it and begins his return journey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The return journey I could regularly book for £28.50.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return journey" to clearly indicate the act of going back to a starting point after a trip, especially when the outbound journey has already been mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "return journey" when you mean a "round trip" which includes both the outbound and inbound travel as a single packaged ticket. "Return journey" focuses specifically on the act of coming back.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return journey" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the act of traveling back to the point of origin. Ludwig provides examples where it serves as the subject of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return journey" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of traveling back to one's starting point. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates its frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, it's important not to confuse it with "round trip", which encompasses the entire journey, both outbound and inbound. Alternatives like "trip back" or "homeward trip" offer slight variations in meaning or tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, "return journey" is a versatile phrase suitable for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return trip

A more direct and commonly used alternative, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the journey.

trip back

A simpler, more general alternative that focuses on the act of returning without specifying the mode of transport.

journey home

Similar to 'homeward trip', this phrase accentuates the destination and the feeling of returning home.

homeward trip

Emphasizes the destination being home, offering a slightly more personal or emotional tone.

travel back

A versatile option that can be used in various contexts, emphasizing the act of traveling back.

voyage back

Suitable when referring to a journey by sea or air, highlighting the act of returning.

way back

An informal alternative, often used in spoken language, focusing on the manner of returning.

coming back

A more colloquial expression, suitable for informal contexts, focusing on the act of returning.

backward journey

Highlights the direction of the journey, useful when emphasizing the reverse direction.

the return

A concise and sometimes more impactful way to refer to the act of returning, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "return journey" in a sentence?

You can use "return journey" to describe the act of traveling back to your starting point. For example, "The "return journey" was delayed due to bad weather."

What's the difference between "return journey" and "round trip"?

"Return journey" refers specifically to the act of traveling back, while "round trip" implies a complete circuit from the origin to a destination and back, often purchased as a single ticket.

Are there other phrases similar to "return journey"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "trip back", "homeward trip", or "voyage back" depending on the context.

Is "return journey" formal or informal?

"Return journey" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.