returned directly to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returned directly to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of sending something back to a specific location or person without any detours or delays. Example: "The package was returned directly to the sender after the delivery attempt failed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Popped out a baby and returned directly to work?

The New York Times

After Mr. Brafman left, Mr. Gravano, instead of being returned directly to jail.

The New York Times

Of those, 1,450 were returned to Italy, and some 250 were returned directly to Tunisia.

The New York Times

One young rabbi, Yosef Tovia Horowitz, has returned directly to the synagogue that his grandfather used to lead.

The New York Times

Indeed, of the four participants arriving under Twin Group's September intake, only one has returned directly to the UK.

The Guardian

Books you borrow directly from one of these partners should be returned directly to the owning library, not to a Harvard Library facility.

Harvard University

Washington state's carbon fee revenue, like France's, would not have been returned directly to citizens; rather it would have been dedicated to an array of green energy initiatives.

The Washington Post

About 60 percent of the revenues would be returned directly to consumers, 25 percent allotted to deficit reduction and 15 percent devoted to investments in renewable energy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Don't return directly to the scene of your death.

The Guardian - Tech

Trapped electrons cannot return directly to the centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Convicted hunters have been known to return directly to the field.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returned directly to" when you want to emphasize that something or someone went back to a specific place or state without any detours or stops. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "returned directly to" when a simpler phrase like "returned to" is sufficient. Overusing the word "directly" can make your writing sound unnatural and verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returned directly to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating movement or transition back to a specific location, person, or state without deviation. Ludwig AI examples showcase usage in various contexts such as physical returns, data returns, and abstract state returns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returned directly to" is a versatile prepositional phrase that signifies a non-stop return to a specific destination or state. It is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to emphasize immediacy and the absence of intermediaries. While commonly employed, particularly in science and media, be mindful not to overuse it when a simpler phrasing suffices. Alternatives include "went straight back to" and "came back immediately to". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went straight back to

Emphasizes the immediate and undeviating nature of the return.

came back immediately to

Highlights the promptness of the return.

reverted instantly to

Implies a return to a previous state or condition with no delay.

went back without delay to

Focuses on the lack of delay in the return journey or process.

was sent right back to

Indicates that an entity was sent back to its original location/state immediately.

arrived straight back at

Highlights an arrival with no detours.

made a beeline for

Uses a figurative expression to describe a direct and rapid return.

retraced steps directly to

Suggests a careful and deliberate return to the point of origin.

was routed directly back to

Implies a planned and immediate return.

phased directly into

Implies a transition into a new state without any delay.

FAQs

How can I use "returned directly to" in a sentence?

You can use "returned directly to" to indicate a return without any detours. For example, "The package was "returned directly to" the sender after the delivery failed".

What is a good alternative to "returned directly to"?

Alternatives include "went straight back to", "came back immediately to", or "reverted instantly to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "returned to" or "returned directly to"?

While both are correct, "returned directly to" emphasizes the lack of detours or intermediate steps in the return. Use it when this directness is important to convey.

What's the difference between "returned to" and ""returned directly to""?

"Returned to" simply indicates a return, whereas ""returned directly to"" specifies that the return was immediate and without any stops or deviations.