return me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return me" can be grammatically correct and is often used in spoken English, but it is not commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a command or request for someone to give something back to the speaker. Example: "Could you please return me my book? I need to study for my exam tomorrow."

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Whether I am dead or alive, it will return me".

The New Yorker

But immigration want to return me to Nauru by force.

The Guardian

"You must return me to Japan immediately!" His abductor watched his tirade calmly.

The New Yorker

They cannot "return" me to a country I wasn't in, yet they continually refer in court to "returning me".

Independent

I was on my way to Philadelphia to catch the train that would return me to Boston and college.

The New Yorker

If I'm caught wandering in Carl Schurz Park, they know where to return me".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It returned me to my artistic roots.

The New York Times - Arts

My adoptive mother almost returned me.

The New York Times

It was with noticeable reluctance that she returned me the fare".

The New Yorker

This returns me to Sophie Taeuber-Arp's humble, radiant tapestry, which obliterates all skepticism.

The New Yorker

Wang's first-person voice, in other words, returned me to my own.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return me", consider the context and whether a more formal alternative like "send me back" or "restore me" might be more appropriate for written communication.

Common error

Avoid using "return me" in formal essays or reports. Opt for alternatives that convey the same meaning with a more professional tone, such as "send me back" or "restore me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return me" functions primarily as a request or statement of expectation, where the speaker desires to be brought back to a previous location, state, or condition. Ludwig examples highlight this usage in various contexts, such as returning to a school or a former self.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return me" is used to express a desire or expectation of being brought back to a previous location, state, or condition. While grammatically acceptable, it's more common in spoken English and informal writing. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent use in news and media, books and science. When writing, consider the context; in formal settings, alternatives like "send me back" or "restore me" might be more appropriate. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is acceptable but not as commonly used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give me back

Focuses on the act of handing something back to the speaker.

hand me back

Similar to "give me back", but emphasizes the physical act of handing something.

send me back

Emphasizes the action of sending or dispatching someone back.

bring me back

Highlights the act of carrying or escorting someone back.

restore me

Implies returning someone to a previous state or condition.

take me back

Focuses on the action of accompanying someone back.

relocate me

Highlights the act of moving someone back to a specific location.

reinstate me

Specifically refers to restoring someone to a previous position or status.

ship me back

Emphasizes the action of transporting someone back.

transfer me back

Focuses on the act of transferring someone back, often within an organization or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "return me" to express a request or expectation for someone or something to be brought back to you. For example, "They promised to return me to my boarding school".

What does "return me" mean?

"Return me" implies a request or expectation for someone or something to be brought back to the speaker's location or former state.

What can I say instead of "return me"?

You can use alternatives like "give me back", "send me back", or "bring me back" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "return me"?

While grammatically acceptable, "return me" is more common in spoken English than in formal written English. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use it.