returning the sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

"returning the sentiment" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a reciprocal feeling or emotion in response to someone else's sentiment. For example: "After receiving her kind message, I felt compelled to return the sentiment." Alternative expressions include "reciprocating the feeling" and "returning the favor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The police, returning the sentiment, chanted: "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy".

The Guardian

Still, when Mr. Lagasse professed his love for her in the Magic Kingdom, she couldn't help blurting out, "You're telling me that here?" before returning the sentiment.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Betty is bullied by her mother, Alice, for wishing to be friends with rich new girl Veronica Lodge and showing Cheryl Blossom some kindness after Jason's death, despite Cheryl not returning the sentiment.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Thousands of students apparently return the sentiment.

The New York Times - Travel

With increasing vehemence, he returned the sentiment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It should not be surprising that they return the sentiment".

The New York Times

But the man — Georges St-Pierre, the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champion — couldn't return the sentiment.

The New York Times

This would seem to be the perfect time to return the sentiment.

The New York Times

"Good to see you!" As she slips away, it's not at all clear that she returns the sentiment.

The New York Times

Then, in another lecture to university students, Eddington invoked star-crossed lovers, just as Flammarion had: Suppose that you are in love with a lady on Neptune and that she returns the sentiment.

The New Yorker

Only "(Kissed You) Good Night" throbs with a pulse, with Tom Gossin hissing, "I should have kissed you/ I should have pushed you up against the wall," though by the time Ms. Reinert returns the sentiment, it's been bleached free of sexual tension.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional writing, it serves as a sophisticated way to acknowledge that a positive or negative stance is mutual.

Common error

Do not use "returning the sentiment" when the interaction is purely factual or transactional. For instance, if someone gives you a refund, you do not return the sentiment; you simply receive the payment. Use it only when an attitude, feeling, or emotional perspective is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning the sentiment" primarily functions as a participial phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier or a complement to a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote the act of reciprocating a specific attitude or emotion. It often follows a primary action or statement of feeling to show that the reaction is equivalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Professional

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "returning the sentiment" is a highly effective and grammatically correct way to describe the act of reciprocating a feeling or attitude. It is most prevalent in professional journalism and encyclopedic writing, appearing frequently in outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase is particularly useful for adding a layer of sophistication when describing mutual respect, shared disdain, or mirrored affection. While it is highly adaptable, it is best reserved for contexts involving emotions or psychological stances rather than simple physical exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocating the feeling

Emphasizes the mutual exchange of a specific emotion.

echoing the sentiment

Suggests repeating or reinforcing the same stated opinion or mood.

mirroring the emotion

Implies a direct reflection of the other person's internal state.

feeling the same way

A more common and less formal alternative for everyday speech.

responding in kind

Focuses on the behavior or action being matched rather than just the feeling.

returning the favor

Specifically refers to reciprocating a helpful action rather than a feeling.

sharing the sentiment

Indicates that both parties possess the same viewpoint simultaneously.

matching the mood

Relates more to the atmosphere or general temperament of an interaction.

repaying the kindness

Narrower scope focused exclusively on reciprocating positive treatment.

doubling the sentiment

Suggests increasing the intensity of the shared feeling.

FAQs

What does "returning the sentiment" mean in a relationship?

It means feeling the same emotion toward someone that they feel toward you, such as love or admiration. If one person expresses affection and the other person is "reciprocating the feeling", they are returning that sentiment.

Is "returning the sentiment" formal?

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal expression. While it is common in journalism and literature, in casual conversation people often say they are "feeling the same way" instead.

What can I say instead of "returning the sentiment" in an email?

Depending on the tone, you can use phrases like "echoing your thoughts", "sharing your perspective", or simply stating that you feel the same.

What is the difference between "returning the sentiment" and "returning the favor"?

While both involve reciprocity, "returning the sentiment" refers to an internal feeling or attitude, whereas "returning the favor" refers to a physical or tangible action performed for someone.