return time

USAGE SUMMARY

"return time" is not a correct phrase in written English as it does not make sense in this context.
You could, however, use the phrase "turnaround time" which means the amount of time needed to complete a task. For example: We often have a two-week turnaround time for projects.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If Pettitte wants to return, time may be running out.

The New York Times - Sports

Staff have named their favourite birds who return time and time again.

Independent

But many people, like Jae Sonsini of Shelton, return time and again.

The New York Times

We will be in trouble if the return time is less than the recovery time.

The Guardian

You can choose to put your park ticket into a special turnstile to be given a return time.

The Guardian - Travel

But extending the return time to 2 p.m. -- two hours after the weekend rates "officially" kick in -- drops the base rate to $15.18 a day.

The New York Times

The audit assesses how you can save energy, what any recommended improvements will cost, and the return time on your investments.

The New York Times

When I called the airline last October, I offered to fly any day in March — the off-season — with a flexible return time.

The New York Times

I return time after time to Kabul, because like the breathtaking changes I see in nature in Southern California, so too do I see amazing changes in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Yet over the next two years, the crowds must return time and again to "the square" as the battle for their country continues.

The Guardian - Film

A stronger magnitude 6 quake, however, has a "return time" between 400 to 500 years in the region, Dr. Frankel said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration until something is returned or recurs, consider using "turnaround time", "recovery period", or "expected return date" for greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Using "return time" can be vague. Instead of saying, "the "return time" is long", specify what is returning and why that time is relevant. For example, "the turnaround time for processing the application is long because of increased demand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return time" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a duration related to a return process, event recurrence, or system recovery. While Ludwig flags it as grammatically questionable, its frequent appearance shows its established use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "return time" is frequently used across various domains, especially in scientific and news contexts, Ludwig identifies it as grammatically questionable. This discrepancy highlights a gap between common usage and strict grammatical correctness. Therefore, when writing, consider using alternatives like "turnaround time", "recovery period", or "expected return date" for increased clarity and grammatical precision. Understanding the context, as evidenced by the examples, will help ensure that your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turnaround time

This alternative emphasizes the time required to complete a process or task and have it returned.

recovery period

Focuses on the duration needed to revert to a previous state or condition.

expected return date

Highlights the anticipated date of something or someone coming back.

anticipated arrival time

Shifts the focus to the time of arrival during a return process.

time of recurrence

Emphasizes the moment when something happens again or repeats.

restoration time

Highlights the duration for bringing something back to its original condition.

rebound time

Emphasizes the speed and moment of bouncing back after a decline.

comeback time

Focuses on the period it takes to make a successful return after a setback.

period of reversion

Indicates the duration for something to return to a former state.

time until return

Directly specifies the duration before a return occurs.

FAQs

What does "return time" mean in scientific contexts?

In scientific contexts, "return time" often refers to the average time it takes for a system or variable to return to a specific state after a perturbation or disturbance. It's related to concepts like resilience and stability.

Is "return time" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "return time" is not considered grammatically perfect according to some style guides. Alternatives like "turnaround time" or "recovery period" might be more precise.

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

Although Ludwig AI considers the phrase incorrect. If you insist on using "return time", ensure the context is clear. For instance, "The study analyzed the "return time" of translocated frogs to their original habitat."

What's the difference between "return time" and "expected return date"?

"Return time" generally refers to a duration or period, while "expected return date" specifies a particular date on which something is anticipated to return. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.