returned to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "returned to use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has resumed its function or is being utilized again after a period of inactivity. Example: "After the repairs were completed, the equipment was returned to use in the production line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Shortly after the war, the buildings were returned to use as public housing.

The New York Times

The car will be returned to use in a couple of weeks and can then be approved".

The New York Times

He said the suspension was lifted, allowing the system to be returned to use as a defensive weapon.

The New York Times

At present, much of what is recycled is returned to use in a low-grade manner – for instance, recycled glass in the UK is often used as a component in road-building materials, rather than turned back into bottles.

The Guardian

Thomas Annandale, for example, blew through his catheters to make sure that they were clear, and many an instrument, dropped accidentally, was simply given a quick wipe and returned to use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Schvey says that during its early tests, the re-conversion rates were very good – as many as 40percentt of users returned to use Aggregift again.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He also returned to using his trademark one-liners.

The New York Times

The pain was so great that Mr. Stahl returned to using a walker.

The New York Times - Science

This week, Westhoff returned to using the crutches he had discarded a couple of months ago.

The New York Times - Sports

(She and Moore apparently also returned to using their birth names, Lucy and Suzanne, at that point).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This year the team returned to using Renault engines, which it had also used during its glory years in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "returned to use" to clearly indicate that something previously out of service or inactive is now being utilized again. This is especially useful in technical or formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "returned to use" when a simpler phrase like "reused" or "used again" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returned to use" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been restored to a state where it can be used again. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often describes a state change after repair, modification, or a period of inactivity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "returned to use" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating that something is once again functional and available for use. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with significant representation in scientific and encyclopedic sources as well. While the phrase is considered correct, be mindful of potential wordiness and consider simpler alternatives where appropriate. When writing, use "returned to use" to clearly communicate that a previously inactive item or system is now operational. This ensures precision in your language and helps avoid ambiguity. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the various applications and emphasize the phrase's function in accurately conveying the resumption of usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put back into service

Focuses on the resumption of active operation or service, rather than simply use.

reinstated for operation

Emphasizes the formal act of restoring something to its operational status.

brought back online

Specifically implies restoring a system or device to an active, connected state.

restored to working order

Highlights the process of repairing or fixing something so it can be used again.

resumed utilization

A more formal way of saying something is being used again.

reactivated for employment

Suggests a renewed engagement or application of something, often in a work context.

re-employed

Implies that something is being used again in the same way as before.

recommissioned

Often used in a military or naval context to indicate that a vessel or system is back in service.

re-engaged

Indicates a renewed involvement or participation.

put back in action

Emphasizes the return to activity or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "returned to use" to indicate that something is being used again after a period of disuse or repair. For example, "After the renovations, the library was "returned to use" by the community".

What is a synonym for "returned to use"?

Synonyms include "put back into service", "reinstated for operation", or "reactivated for employment", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "return to use" instead of "returned to use"?

"Return to use" can function as a noun phrase (e.g., "the return to use of renewable energy"), while "returned to use" typically functions as a verb phrase describing an action that has already happened (e.g., "the equipment was returned to use").

What's the difference between "returned to use" and "returned to using"?

"Returned to use" implies a resumption of the function of something. "Returned to using" indicates that someone has resumed a particular activity or habit. For example, "He "returned to using" a walker after his injury worsened".