return the kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

'return the kindness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has done something nice for you, and you want to express your appreciation and reciprocate the kindness. For example, "After you cooked me dinner, I knew I had to return the kindness in some way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Seeing the frustration firsthand made me want to return the kindness this city has shown me".

The New York Times - Arts

The workers, touched by the father and son, have shown up, and then.... Well, they return the kindness.

The New York Times - Books

"When I asked Bill how I could return the kindness he'd given me, he said, 'You can't,' " she said.

The New York Times

Takao Ozawa, an assimilated Japanese man, sued for naturalization, in 1917, citing his Christian values, his American education, and his desire to "return the kindness which our Uncle Sam has extended to me".

The New Yorker

So I fix him breakfast to return the kindness".

Huffington Post

I only hope I can return the kindness someday.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's not enough to expect that all your friends are going to surround you and support you and listen when you have to talk, if you're not going to bother returning the kindness and the generosity that friendship requires.

WikiHow

Show your communication skills by listening to what they have to say, and they will return the same kindness to you as well.

WikiHow

Do you think banks would ever return the tax payer's bailout kindness?

Huffington Post

When you are in need people will recall your kindness to them and return the favor.

WikiHow

The thing that you ought to do is treat everyone with kindness, especially when they don't return the favor.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "return the kindness", consider the specific context and ensure that the action you are taking genuinely reflects the spirit of the original act of kindness. Avoid simply going through the motions; make it meaningful.

Common error

Don't feel obligated to precisely match the original act of kindness. Sometimes, a different but equally thoughtful gesture is more appropriate and genuine. The important thing is the intention behind the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return the kindness" functions as a verbal expression indicating the act of reciprocating a kind deed or gesture. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It describes a response to someone's benevolent action, showing appreciation and willingness to offer something in return.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return the kindness" effectively conveys the act of reciprocating a kind deed or gesture. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in written English, indicating gratitude and a reciprocal relationship. While generally neutral in register, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, though appropriate for various situations. Related phrases like "reciprocate the kindness" or "repay the kindness" offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to make your reciprocal action meaningful and appropriate to the situation. Understanding this can help writers effectively express their intentions in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocate the kindness

This alternative directly implies a reciprocal action, emphasizing the act of giving back in response to kindness received.

respond in kind

This alternative suggests reacting with similar behavior, focusing on matching the positive actions received.

repay the kindness

This alternative suggests a debt of gratitude being settled, highlighting the act of returning a favor or good deed.

give back the kindness

This alternative emphasizes the act of contributing positively in response to kindness, highlighting a sense of community and contribution.

show gratitude for the kindness

This alternative focuses on expressing thankfulness for kindness received, rather than necessarily returning a favor.

acknowledge the kindness

This alternative focuses on recognizing and appreciating kindness, which might not always involve a direct reciprocal action.

be grateful for the kindness

This alternative highlights the feeling of appreciation for kindness, rather than the act of returning it.

return the favor

This alternative is a general expression of reciprocating a good deed, and may not be exclusively linked to kindness.

repay the good deed

Focuses specifically on repaying a specific action, less broad than kindness in general.

pass it on

Implies forwarding the act of kindness to someone else, rather than directly reciprocating it to the original giver.

FAQs

How can I use "return the kindness" in a sentence?

You can use "return the kindness" to describe reciprocating a kind act. For example, "After she helped me move, I wanted to return the kindness by cooking her dinner."

What is a more formal way to say "return the kindness"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is to say "reciprocate the kindness" or "repay the kindness". These alternatives, like "reciprocate the kindness", carry a slightly more formal tone.

Is it always necessary to "return the kindness" immediately?

No, it's not always necessary to return the kindness immediately. The timing should be appropriate to the situation and your capabilities. A delayed expression of gratitude can be just as meaningful.

What are some subtle ways to "return the kindness" without grand gestures?

Small gestures like a thank-you note, a thoughtful email, or simply offering your support can be effective ways to return the kindness. Even a simple act of listening can show your appreciation.