should return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should return" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an expected outcome or result from a function, process, or action. Example: "The function should return the correct value when given valid input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You should return the favor.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Pepe should return to selling flowers".

The New York Times

"Some should return and some should not".

The New Yorker

"They should return to their senses.

Independent

He should return to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hart, at least, should return.

The Guardian - Sport

Consumers should return the packages to Portier.

The New York Times

He is a consequential conductor who should return.

The New York Times - Arts

It is an idea McDonnell should return to and soon.

The Guardian

It is, perhaps, unsurprising that he should return.

Independent

The former should return to taxing current house values.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should return" in technical documentation, ensure the context clearly defines the conditions under which the return is expected. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures accurate interpretation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "should return" too frequently in informal conversations can make your speech sound overly formal. Consider using more casual alternatives like "is expected to revert" or "will probably revert" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should return" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase. It combines the modal verb "should" with the verb "return" to express an expectation, obligation, or prediction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should return" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to indicate expectations, obligations, or predictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose alternatives like "is expected to revert" in more casual settings. Mastering its usage involves recognizing when to express expectation versus certainty, ensuring clear communication in both technical and everyday scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to revert

Emphasizes a moral or logical obligation to return.

is expected to revert

Focuses on the anticipated outcome or predicted result.

is supposed to revert

Suggests an arrangement or agreement for something to return.

must revert

Indicates a strong necessity or requirement for something to return.

needs to revert

Highlights a need or requirement for something to return.

has to revert

Expresses a requirement or obligation for something to return.

is bound to revert

Indicates a high probability or certainty of returning.

will likely revert

Suggests a high probability or expectation of returning.

is slated to revert

Implies that something has been scheduled or planned to return.

is programmed to revert

Highlights that the return action is part of a defined/deterministic routine.

FAQs

How can I use "should return" in a sentence?

You can use "should return" to express an expectation or obligation. For example, "The application /s/should+return the correct value when given valid input" or "All library books /s/should+return before the end of the semester".

What can I say instead of "should return"?

Alternatives include "ought to revert", "is expected to revert", or "is supposed to revert" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "should return" versus "will return"?

"Should return" often implies an expectation based on rules or logic, while "will return" suggests a higher degree of certainty or a future event. For example, "The function /s/should+return a value" (expectation) versus "The package /s/will+return tomorrow" (future event).

Is "should return" formal or informal?

"Should return" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, overuse in very casual settings might sound slightly stilted; consider alternatives like "is expected to revert".