should return to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should return to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is expected to go back to a previous state, place, or condition. Example: "After the break, the team should return to their original positions on the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Pepe should return to selling flowers".

The New York Times

"They should return to their senses.

Independent

He should return to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Power should return to the international courts.

The Guardian

He Labour should return to "progressive politics".

The Guardian

The former should return to taxing current house values.

The Economist

Mathieu Flamini is available and should return to the team.

Independent

"I am saying you should return to your barracks.

The New York Times

In the meantime, I should return to Beijing.

The New Yorker

He seems to say that America should return to isolationism.

The New York Times

It is an idea McDonnell should return to and soon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should return to" to suggest a reversion to a previous state or action, especially when offering advice or recommendations. For example, "After the experiment, the equipment "should return to" its original configuration".

Common error

Avoid using "should return to" when referring to actions that are irreversible. For example, it's incorrect to say "The broken vase "should return to" its original form" because broken items cannot magically restore themselves. Instead, use it for reversible processes or states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should return to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation, expectation, or prediction that someone or something will revert to a previous state, location, or activity. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should return to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to recommend or predict a reversion to a previous state or activity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. When writing, remember that it implies a suggestion or expectation, and avoid using it for irreversible situations. Consider alternatives such as "ought to revert to" or "must revert to" to convey different degrees of obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to revert to

Indicates a moral obligation or advisability of reverting, slightly more formal than "should".

needs to go back to

Emphasizes a necessity for returning to a previous state, often implying a problem that requires correction.

must revert to

Indicates a strong obligation or requirement to return to a previous state.

has to return to

Similar to "must", but can also indicate external compulsion.

is advised to go back to

Recommends a return to a previous state, emphasizing the advice aspect.

is recommended to revert to

Similar to 'is advised to go back to', emphasizing the recommendation.

would benefit from returning to

Highlights the positive consequences of reverting.

is better off returning to

Suggests that the previous state is superior to the current one.

needs to be restored to

Focuses on the action of restoring something to its original condition.

it's time to go back to

Implies a sense of urgency and the right moment to return to a previous state.

FAQs

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

Use "should return to" to indicate a recommended or expected reversion to a previous state or action. For example, "After the meeting, everyone "should return to" their respective tasks".

What's a more formal alternative to "should return to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "ought to revert to" or "must revert to", depending on the level of obligation you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "should return to" and "must return to"?

"Should return to" implies a recommendation or expectation, while "must return to" suggests a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on the strength of the obligation you wish to express.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "should return to"?

Avoid using "should return to" when the action or state is irreversible or impossible. For instance, saying "The spilled milk "should return to" the bottle" is incorrect because the action cannot be undone.