return the sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

"return the sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to expressing warm or strong feeling, or responding in kind to an expression of goodwill. For example, "I appreciate your kind words, and return the sentiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Thousands of students apparently return the sentiment.

The New York Times - Travel

"It should not be surprising that they return the sentiment".

The New York Times

This would seem to be the perfect time to return the sentiment.

The New York Times

But the man — Georges St-Pierre, the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champion — couldn't return the sentiment.

The New York Times

For some reason, he's the only character who doesn't change his clothes until the final scene, which is only a little less explicable than how David can fall in love with Gwen at the very same time he is blithely deceiving her in the ugliest possible way, or why Gwen would not only return the sentiment but forgive his transgressions.

The New York Times

Lots of customers return the sentiment.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But he also said that travelling to Beijing made it clear to him that the Chinese didn't return the sentiments.

The New York Times

With increasing vehemence, he returned the sentiment.

The New York Times - Magazine

The police, returning the sentiment, chanted: "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy".

The Guardian

"Good to see you!" As she slips away, it's not at all clear that she returns the sentiment.

The New York Times

Still, when Mr. Lagasse professed his love for her in the Magic Kingdom, she couldn't help blurting out, "You're telling me that here?" before returning the sentiment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return the sentiment" when you want to express a mutual feeling or reciprocal attitude between two parties. For example, if someone expresses gratitude, you might "return the sentiment" by expressing your own gratitude in response.

Common error

Avoid using "return the sentiment" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it may sound slightly stilted in casual conversation. Instead, opt for simpler expressions like "I feel the same way".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return the sentiment" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of reciprocating an emotion or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It highlights a mutual exchange, as illustrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "return the sentiment" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe reciprocating a feeling or emotion expressed by someone else. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives such as "reciprocate the feeling" or "feel the same way". The phrase carries a neutral register and suggests a mindful exchange of emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocate the feeling

Focuses on the mutual exchange of emotion.

reciprocate the emotion

Similar to 'reciprocate the feeling' but more formal.

share the sentiment

Emphasizes agreement or having the same emotion.

feel the same way

Highlights having identical feelings.

have the same feelings

Emphasizes having the identical emotional experience.

echo the feeling

Indicates mirroring or repeating the emotion.

feel likewise

A more concise way to express having the same sentiment.

match the feeling

Indicates the sentiments are aligned or equivalent.

respond in kind

Focuses on the act of responding with a similar action or feeling.

reciprocate the gesture

Highlights that the gesture is being returned.

FAQs

How to use "return the sentiment" in a sentence?

You can use "return the sentiment" to express a reciprocal feeling or attitude. For instance, "She expressed her gratitude, and I "returned the sentiment" by thanking her for her help."

What can I say instead of "return the sentiment"?

You can use alternatives like "reciprocate the feeling", "share the sentiment", or "feel the same way" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "returned the sentiment"?

Yes, ""returned the sentiment"" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially when referring to a past action.

What's the difference between "share the sentiment" and "return the sentiment"?

"Share the sentiment" implies that you have a similar feeling, while "return the sentiment" suggests that you are responding to someone else's feeling with a similar one. The difference is subtle but depends on whether you are initiating or reacting.