returning time

USAGE SUMMARY

"returning time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally refers to a time of reflection and renewal. For example: "After having a summer away from the everyday hustle of work and school, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the returning time of fall with open arms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But his conversation is intensely focused, centred on a single word, to which he keeps returning, time and time again: freedom.

The Guardian

Woody Allen could never be accused of ignoring his native city, returning time and again to eulogise the virtues of its buildings and its inhabitants.

The Guardian - Travel

The only way out is war, with restless native Rodney Baze Casey Affleckk) returning time and again to Iraq where untold horrors leave him shell-shocked and hollow.

The Guardian - Film

In his final decade, he continued to tour widely while returning time and again to serenade the high-rollers in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, his spiritual homes.

The Guardian - Music

No one has been hurt, he said, and the bureau has responded by returning time and time again, trying to urge people to open their doors.

The New York Times

Of the band members, Mr. Scott was the one most often playing above par, returning time and time again to Thelonious Monk's abrupt rhythmic language.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If Pettitte wants to return, time may be running out.

The New York Times - Sports

Staff have named their favourite birds who return time and time again.

Independent

She has returned time and again to rent Charlie, a 4-year-old black dachshund.

The New York Times

A happy customer base will return time and again.

WikiHow

User-entry effects on deviations from and return times to set point temperature were minimal.

Journal of Thermal Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cyclical events or recurring activities, use "returning time" to emphasize the process of something coming back into focus or practice. For example, use "returning time for studies" instead of "studying again".

Common error

Avoid using "returning time" when simpler terms like "again" or "recurrent" suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. It's best suited for scenarios with a specific temporal context or a more profound sense of renewal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "returning time" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It refers to the action or process of something coming back or recurring at a specific point. Ludwig's examples indicate usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "returning time" functions as a gerund phrase that describes the period or action of something recurring. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and has diverse usages. Although commonly used, writers should avoid overuse in contexts where simpler terms suffice. While found in scientific, news, and general sources, it maintains a neutral register and is useful for emphasizing cyclical events or renewals. Related phrases like "time of return" and "resumption time" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time of return

Reverses the order of the words while retaining the core meaning of a designated return period.

time to return

Shifts the focus to the action of returning, rather than the state of the time itself.

period of return

Emphasizes the duration or span associated with a return.

resumption time

Highlights the moment when an activity or state is taken up again.

time for recurrence

Focuses on the cyclical nature of events coming back.

repeat time

Simplified version emphasizing the repetition aspect.

revisiting time

Highlights the act of going back to a certain period or activity.

recall time

Implies the time it takes or the occasion for remembering or bringing back something.

comeback time

Suggests a return to prominence or success after a period of absence.

reappearance time

Emphasizes the moment something becomes visible or present again.

FAQs

How can I use "returning time" in a sentence?

You can use "returning time" to describe the period when something comes back or is revisited. For example, "The "returning time" for migratory birds is usually in the spring."

What's a more concise way to say "returning time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "time of return", "resumption time", or simply "recurrence" might be more appropriate.

Is "returning time" always about something positive?

Not necessarily. While it can refer to positive returns, like the "returning time" of a favorite season, it can also describe neutral or even negative recurrences, such as the "returning time" of a problem.

How does "returning time" differ from "return time"?

"Returning time" emphasizes the process or period of returning, while "return time" often refers to a specific point in time when a return happens or is expected.