returned by plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returned by plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the method of transportation for something that has been sent back or delivered, specifically by aircraft. Example: "The documents were returned by plane to ensure they arrived quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While some unaccompanied minors are returned by plane to their home countries, others are brought to child shelters run by the Mexican family welfare agency, Dif.

The Guardian

On August 30, she was returned by plane to Belgium.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On Tuesday, new security rules go into effect that require Americans returning by plane from Mexico, Panama, the Caribbean and Canada to carry passports.

The New York Times

Returning by plane, if you book the cheapest round-trip fare and then discard the return portion, will cost at least $169 a person, based on a recent search of Internet travel sites.

The New York Times - Travel

As the blizzard approached, the mayor was at his vacation home in Bermuda, although he returned by private plane as the snow began to fall.

The New York Times

It took longer than anticipated and my husband hadn't returned by the time the plane was starting to board.

The New York Times

In order to further explore the nature of the relationship between the two sets of variables, we performed one-way MANOVAs based on the coordinates of the 58 individuals in the first two synthetic planes returned by the overall 2b-PLS analysis (i.e., axes 1 and 2 computed for the two blocks of variables; Table 5).

Plosone

The volume space returned by this method was divided into individual 200 µm 3D cubic sagittally arranged voxels on an (x,  y,  z) coordinate plane.

Brain Structure and Function

BY PLANE: Nonstop flights to Logan International Airport in Boston from La Guardia Airport are offered by US Airways, American Airlines, Delta and T.W.A.; some flights return to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The New York Times - Arts

He returned to Sweden by plane.

The New Yorker

Those on board were assessed by "enhanced screening" and returned to Vietnam by plane within four days.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returned by plane" when you want to specify that air travel was the method of returning something or someone. This is especially useful when other methods of return are possible, like shipping or ground transportation.

Common error

Avoid using "returned by plane" when the method of return is obvious. For example, if someone is traveling internationally and comes back, simply saying "returned" is often sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returned by plane" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the means of transportation used for the return. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing how someone or something was transported back to a location.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "returned by plane" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify that someone or something was transported back via air travel. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase is understood and appropriate in various contexts, especially when emphasizing the mode of transportation is relevant. Alternative phrases like "flown back" or "sent back by air" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and conciseness. Avoid overuse in situations where the mode of return is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sent back by air

Replaces "returned" with "sent back" and "plane" with "air", emphasizing the method of sending.

flown back

A more concise way of saying "returned by plane", using the verb "flown".

transported by air

Focuses on the act of transportation using air travel.

shipped by air

Similar to "transported by air" but suggests a more commercial or logistical context.

airlifted back

Implies a more urgent or organized return via air.

repatriated by air

Specifically refers to returning someone to their country of origin by air.

brought back by airplane

A more literal and less concise alternative.

evacuated by plane

Suggests a return due to an emergency or dangerous situation.

ferried by air

Implies a regular or scheduled return via air.

air freighted

More focused on cargo or goods being returned via air.

FAQs

What does "returned by plane" mean?

The phrase "returned by plane" means that someone or something was sent back to their origin or previous location using an airplane as the mode of transportation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "returned by plane"?

It's appropriate when you want to specifically highlight that the return was facilitated via air travel, especially when other methods of return were possible or might be assumed. For example, "The stolen artifact was "shipped back", but the owner "returned by plane"."

What are some alternatives to "returned by plane"?

Some alternatives include "sent back by air", "flown back", or "transported by air". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "returned by plane" formal or informal language?

The phrase is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more concise alternatives like "flown back" might be preferred in very informal settings.