return promptly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return promptly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to come back or respond quickly. Example: "Please return promptly after the meeting so we can discuss the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And when inspectors find dangerous conditions at domestic plants, they generally return promptly to ensure that those conditions get fixed.

The New York Times - Magazine

My experience in Malawi leads me to also think that most Malawians wish their president good health and want him to return promptly.

The Washington Post

It was here that, on the eve of the war, Copeman witnessed the brutality and inequality of Soviet rule and, on return, promptly quit the Communist party.

The Guardian - Books

Alternatively, upon Fiscal Service's request, the creditor agency shall return promptly to the disbursing official an amount equal to the amount of the offset (without regard to whether any other amounts payable to such disbursing official have been paid).

Cornell University

The Senate bill imposes what is called an "excise tax" — a tax on transactions or events — or a "penalty tax" — a tax for failing to do something (e.g., filing your tax return promptly).

Yale University

The banner bearer and student marshal return promptly to the YSPH seating area to join the faculty marshal and lead the YSPH graduates out of the Old Campus and down the street to the Graduate Club (155 Elm Street).

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He returned promptly.

The New York Times

The marines were granted permission to go to Italy to celebrate Christmas, and they returned promptly.

The New York Times

He then returns promptly to St James's for his main meal at 3pm.

The Economist

Broady disappeared on a lengthy comfort break and when he returned promptly went 0-40 on his serve.

Independent

When a specimen is no longer in use in current research projects, it should be returned promptly.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return promptly" in formal contexts where a timely return or response is essential, such as in official instructions or professional correspondence.

Common error

Avoid using "return promptly" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be right back" or "come back soon" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return promptly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner or timing of the return. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where a timely return or response is expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return promptly" is an adverbial phrase indicating a quick return or response, suitable for formal and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. While the phrase is correct, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversations. Examples show that it's frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Science. When using "return promptly", be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "come back soon" or "respond quickly" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come back soon

Focuses on the timing of the return, implying it should happen in the near future.

revert quickly

Highlights the speed of responding or getting back to a previous state.

get back without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period before returning.

come back immediately

Stresses the urgency and need for an instant return.

respond expeditiously

Highlights the efficiency and speed of the response.

be back presently

Indicates that the return will happen very soon.

make a swift return

Focuses on the quickness and ease of the return action.

report back quickly

Emphasizes the need to provide information upon returning.

be right back

Informal way to indicate a very short absence and immediate return.

return without hesitation

Underlines the decisiveness and speed of the return.

FAQs

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

You can use "return promptly" to instruct someone to come back or respond quickly. For instance, "Please "return promptly" after the meeting so we can discuss the next steps."

What are some alternatives to "return promptly"?

Consider using alternatives such as "come back soon", "revert quickly", or "get back without delay" depending on the context.

Is "return promptly" suitable for informal situations?

While grammatically correct, "return promptly" is more fitting for formal or professional settings. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "be right back" are preferable.

How does "return promptly" differ from "return immediately"?

"Return immediately" emphasizes instant action, while ""return promptly"" suggests a quick but not necessarily instantaneous return. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of urgency.