return now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return now" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to instruct someone to come back or go back to a specific place immediately. Example: "Please return now to the meeting room; we need to start the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're living off his tax return now".

The New Yorker

"No one will return now," he said.

The New York Times

The relationship between risk and return now seems upside-down.

The Economist

"Let me return now to that first school building".

The New York Times - Books

But every year we returned, and we still return now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its return now to the private sector would help to rebuild that reputation.

Independent

The company is preparing to return now that the ice has passed.

The New York Times

"For Hezbollah, it is a point of no return now," he said.

The New York Times

It concluded: "A return now to punitive taxation would be downright perverse.

The Guardian

It is also incredibly gratifying as they return now with their own children.

The New York Times

Fatuities that I Have uttered, drunk or dry, Return now in a rush And make my old cheek blush.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return now", ensure the context clearly indicates where or to what the subject is returning. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "return now" without specifying the destination or context. Always clarify the point of return to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "Please return now", specify "Please return now to the office".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return now" functions primarily as an imperative, urging immediate action. It combines the verb "return", indicating a movement back to a previous location or state, with the adverb "now", emphasizing immediacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return now" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that functions as a direct command or instruction, urging immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using "return now", ensure clarity by specifying the destination or context of the return. Consider alternatives like "come back now" or "go back now" for more casual settings, while "return immediately" can emphasize urgency. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness, so avoid ambiguity by providing clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come back now

This alternative provides a more conversational and direct way to express the same idea.

go back now

Similar to "come back now" but emphasizes the action of going back to a place.

return immediately

Adds emphasis on the promptness of the return.

get back now

This implies urgency in returning.

revert now

Implies a return to a previous state or condition, rather than a physical return.

re-emerge now

Emphasizes a return after a period of being out of sight or inactive.

reappear now

Suggests a return to visibility or presence, often after an absence.

surface now

Implies a return to the surface, either literally or metaphorically.

rally now

Implies a return to a stronger position or performance.

retreat now

Describes a return from a forward position.

FAQs

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

You can use "return now" to instruct someone to come back to a place or situation immediately. For example, "Please return now; the meeting is about to start."

What phrases can I use instead of "return now"?

Alternatives include "come back now", "go back now", or "return immediately", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "return now" and "come back now"?

While similar, "return now" might suggest a more formal or official context, whereas "come back now" is often used in more casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "return now"?

"Return now" is suitable in situations where a prompt return is necessary or expected, such as in professional settings or when giving instructions.