return without delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return without delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to come back or respond promptly, emphasizing the urgency of the request. Example: "Please return without delay to ensure we meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The French Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bernard Valero, said in a statement that "we have taken note of the legal authorities' decision concerning Clotilde Reiss and are therefore expecting her return without delay".

The New York Times

"When this information was received, on the 11th of May, I advised a pontoon bridge to be thrown over the Rappahannock, at the United States Mine Ford, that our trains, capable of carrying all the wounded at one trip, might at once pass over … and return without delay".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Specifically, asylum seekers who are eligible for permanent homes will be welcome in France, while all others will be returned without delay to their countries of origin.

Huffington Post

He added: "I was also concerned that the mother might abscond overnight and so I, with a heavy heart, ordered that the children were to be immediately removed from the mother's care and placed in the care of the local authority for a short period of time so that they could be returned to Spain without delay.

Independent

In a statement announcing Ms. Dedieu's death, Bernard Valero, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, called for her body to be returned to French authorities "without delay and without conditions".

The New York Times

Grütters said three works that had been identified by a specialist taskforce as looted art would be returned to their owners without delay.

The Guardian

The United States and other countries should grasp this opportunity, rein in the rhetoric of military action and return to talks with Iran without delay.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We appeal to the authorities in Iran to show compassion and allow them to return home to our families without delay".

The New York Times

It must cease this practice without delay, and return all property seized from journalists who were covering this legitimate news event". He also complained about "the treatment meted out" to journalists as being unacceptable.

The Guardian

On Wednesday the French foreign office demanded "the return of our compatriot's remains without delay and without conditions".

The Guardian

President Obama can and should return to full enforcement of this law without delay.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return without delay" when you want to clearly and firmly express the need for someone or something to be sent back or brought back as quickly as possible. This emphasizes urgency and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "return without delay" in very casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or demanding. Opt for simpler phrases like "come back soon" or "be right back" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return without delay" functions as an imperative instruction or formal request, typically used to emphasize the need for a prompt return. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return without delay" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the need for a prompt return or response. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally correct and applicable across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, it maintains a tone ranging from neutral to professional, making it less suitable for very informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context’s formality to avoid sounding overly demanding. Alternatives such as "come back immediately" or "return at once" may offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come back immediately

Emphasizes the immediacy of the return.

come back right away

Emphasizes the lack of any waiting time.

return at once

Stresses the need for an immediate return.

revert promptly

Focuses on the action of replying or responding without much delay.

come back directly

Implies returning straightaway, without any detours or stops.

return swiftly

Highlights the speed of the return.

make a speedy return

Similar to "return swiftly", it highlights the speed of the return.

hasten back

Adds a sense of urgency and speed to the return.

report back quickly

Specifies that a report or update is needed shortly after returning.

expedite your return

Focuses on accelerating the return process.

FAQs

How can I use "return without delay" in a sentence?

You can use "return without delay" to emphasize the urgency of a return. For example, "The documents must "return without delay" to avoid penalties."

What is a more informal way to say "return without delay"?

More informal alternatives include phrases like "be right back", "come back soon", or "hurry back". The choice depends on the specific context and the relationship with the person you are addressing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "return without delay"?

The phrase is appropriate in situations where there is a clear need for urgency and promptness. This could be in formal communication, instructions, or situations where time is of the essence.

What's the difference between "return immediately" and "return without delay"?

"Return immediately" emphasizes instant action, while "return without delay" implies promptness but allows for a minimal reasonable timeframe. The nuance lies in the degree of urgency conveyed.