still not returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still not returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has not yet come back or been returned, despite the expectation that it would have been by now. Example: "The library book I borrowed is still not returned, and it's overdue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Business investment plummeted in 2008 and has still not returned to its pre-crisis peak.

The Economist

F.B.I. agents who searched his house in 2007 have still not returned the family's computers.

The New York Times

Most of the Haitian obstetricians and pediatricians have still not returned to work full time.

The New York Times

Many diplomats and foreign aid workers have still not returned to the country.

The New York Times

But ABC has still not returned to the early-season ratings level of 2000.

The New York Times

Later in the day, Mr. Mohe had still not returned to his family.

The New York Times

Their apartment has still not returned to what either considers normal.

The New York Times

Among them was Abdulkarim Shindandqi, who had still not returned today.

The New York Times

Although a significant recovery was seen at 5 and 7 h (scores 11.8 and 10.4, respectively, p's < 0.001), levels had still not returned to baseline (p's < 0.001).

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

Oberon had still not returned, and every time she sent Radish to fetch him the pixie said, "He's still weeping.

The New Yorker

One time, Phoebe told her mother that she was going for a short walk outside; several hours later, she had still not returned.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing when using this phrase; it is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. For very informal writing, consider alternatives like "not back yet".

Common error

Avoid using "still not returned" if the expected return time has not yet passed. The phrase implies that the return is overdue or delayed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still not returned" functions as a stative description, indicating that an expected action (returning) has not yet occurred. It combines an adverb ("still") with a negative and a past participle to describe a persistent state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still not returned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that something or someone has not yet been returned, often implying an expectation or deadline has passed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider the implied sense of anticipation or mild frustration and adjust their word choice accordingly. Alternative phrasings like "not yet returned" or "hasn't been returned yet" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not yet returned

Emphasizes that the return is pending or expected at some point in the future. It changes the word order.

hasn't been returned yet

Uses a contraction for "has not" and adds "yet" to stress the expectation of return.

has yet to be returned

Formal alternative that emphasizes the return is pending.

remains unreturned

Formal and concise, indicating a continued state of being not returned.

is still not back

Similar in meaning, focusing on the state of being away.

is still outstanding

Suggests that the return is overdue or incomplete.

is yet to come back

Focuses on the action of coming back, implying absence.

is still outstanding for return

Adds clarity on the unfulfilled action of returning.

not back yet

Informal and direct, suitable for casual contexts.

continues to be missing

Highlights the ongoing absence of something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "still not returned" in a sentence?

You can use "still not returned" to indicate that something or someone has not yet come back. For example, "The book I lent him is "still not returned" after a month."

What can I say instead of "still not returned"?

You can use alternatives like "not yet returned", "hasn't been returned yet", or "remains unreturned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "still not return"?

No, "still not return" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""still not returned"", which uses the past participle form of the verb.

What's the difference between "still not returned" and "not yet returned"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""still not returned"" often implies a sense of surprise or impatience that something hasn't been returned, whereas "not yet returned" is more neutral.