returned them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returned them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to giving back items or objects that were previously taken or borrowed. Example: "After reviewing the documents, I returned them to the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Officials found the mutilated bodies on Sunday and returned them to their families, Colonel Aqa said.

The New York Times

He never returned them.

The New York Times - Arts

"So we returned them".

The New York Times

Indeed, I have returned them – the bailout.

The Guardian

I returned them to the chiller.

The Guardian - Travel

Kelly says Georgia has simply returned them.

The Guardian

Having worked on them, he had returned them to Registry.

The New Yorker

The museum immediately returned them to their anonymous lender.

The New York Times - Arts

Once I got over my initial shock, I returned them.

The New York Times

She left messages for him, but he never returned them.

The New Yorker

Helmut Voss, the president of the group, returned them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "returned them", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "After inspecting the books, I returned them to the library." is better than "I returned them."

Common error

Avoid using "returned them" without a clear antecedent for "them". Ensure the reader knows exactly what is being returned to prevent confusion. For example, instead of "They were damaged, so I returned them", specify "The shoes were damaged, so I returned them to the store."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returned them" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "returned" is the verb indicating the action of giving something back, and "them" is the direct object, representing the items being returned. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "returned them" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating the action of giving something back. While not the most frequent expression, it's versatile and appears in a range of contexts, from News & Media to Scientific writing. According to Ludwig AI, using the phrase effectively relies on ensuring clear pronoun reference and avoiding ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "gave them back" or "sent them back" offer simpler, more direct options. When choosing to use "returned them", consider its slightly formal tone and suitability for diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave them back

A more direct and common way to express the return of items.

sent them back

Emphasizes the act of sending items back, often implying distance.

brought them back

Highlights the action of bringing something back to a location.

restored them

Implies returning something to a former condition or place.

transferred them back

Emphasizes the transfer of items back to their origin.

handed them over

Focuses on the act of transferring possession to someone else.

shipped them back

Specifically indicates returning items via a shipping service.

consigned them back

Suggests returning items via a shipping service.

reverted them

Suggests a return to a previous state or system.

repaid them

Implies returning something that was owed, often money or a debt.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "returned them"?

You can use alternatives like "gave them back", "sent them back", or "brought them back" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "returned them" or "gave them back"?

"Returned them" is generally considered more formal than "gave them back", although both are acceptable in most contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

How to ensure clarity when using "returned them"?

Always make sure the noun that "them" refers to is explicitly mentioned earlier in the sentence or in a preceding sentence. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what was returned.

Can "returned them" be used for abstract concepts, or only physical objects?

While primarily used for physical objects, "returned them" can also be used for abstract concepts like "powers" or "proposals", as in "I "returned them" – the bailout" or "We corrected them and "returned them" to him."