returned to my room

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returned to my room" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of going back to your personal space or accommodation after being elsewhere. Example: "After a long day of meetings, I finally returned to my room to relax and unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Then, when I returned to my room, I found that my bicycle was missing.

The New York Times

But the escapade was short-lived, and I soon returned to my room.

The New York Times

When I returned to my room, I flopped down in exhaustion.

The New York Times - Travel

Tired and slightly overpowered by the ferocious heat, I returned to my room.

The Guardian

All the tension in me melted away, and I returned to my room and my bed.

The New Yorker

As always after a paddling, I returned to my room vowing never to talk to my father again.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I'd finish eating quickly and return to my room, where I'd watch TV or play solitaire or leaf through a magazine.

The New Yorker

I felt depressed at the thought of returning to my room, to my single bed, my drawerless desk, and my requisite antediluvian sink with two faucets: scalding hot and bone-numbing cold.

The New Yorker

Before returning to my room (a pleasant chamber with a high ceiling, two comfortable single beds and a private bathroom, for which I paid 32 euros), I crossed the cold courtyard and entered the hostel's art studio.

The New York Times - Travel

Returning to my room at night, I could look out on the vast expanse of marble and masonry and watch what seemed like the entire city, chatting well into the night; but I encountered no other guests, aside from a group of bicyclists who arrived one morning and left the next.

The New York Times

Shaking, I return to my room.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returned to my room" when you want to convey a sense of formality or a deliberate action of going back to your room after being away. It's suitable for narratives or descriptive writing where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "returned to my room" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Phrases like "went back" or "got back" are often more natural and less stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returned to my room" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of going back to a specific location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its use in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "returned to my room" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the action of going back to one's room. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and readily applicable in writing. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "went back to my room" or "got back to my room", it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in narratives and descriptive writing. Its prevalence in news media and other sources indicates its versatility. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider using one of the suggested alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went back to my room

This alternative uses a more common verb, "went", making it slightly less formal than "returned".

headed back to my room

This suggests a clear intention and direction towards the room.

came back to my room

This is a more casual and straightforward alternative to "returned".

got back to my room

Similar to "came back", this option is informal and emphasizes arrival.

made my way back to my room

This option adds a sense of effort or journey in getting back to the room.

was back in my room

A simple statement of being present in the room again.

reentered my room

This alternative emphasizes the act of entering again, suitable if the focus is on crossing the threshold.

retreated to my room

This implies a desire to escape or seek refuge in the room.

reoccupied my room

This version is more formal and emphasizes the act of taking possession of the room again.

found myself back in my room

This suggests a passive return, possibly without a clear intention.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "returned to my room"?

You can use alternatives like "went back to my room", "got back to my room", or "headed back to my room", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "returned to my room" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "returned to my room" can sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "went back to my room" or "got back to my room" might be more appropriate.

How does "returned to my room" differ from "went to my room"?

"Returned to my room" implies that you were previously in the room and then left, whereas "went to my room" simply indicates that you moved towards your room. The former suggests a round trip, while the latter does not.

Can I use "returned to my room" in a professional email?

Yes, "returned to my room" is perfectly acceptable in a professional email, especially if you are describing events in a narrative style. It maintains a level of formality suitable for business communication.