the returns

USAGE SUMMARY

"the returns" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the profits or outcomes from an investment or transaction. Example: "The returns from the investment exceeded our expectations." Alternative expressions include "the profits" and "the yields."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The returns were minuscule.

The New York Times

The returns are annual.

The Economist

"The guy has the returns".

The New York Times

The returns certainly show this.

The New York Times

The returns are often psychic.

The Economist

The returns are better now.

Independent

So savor the returns.

The New York Times

The returns to the investor are meh.

The New York Times

But the returns are already being seen.

The Economist

Debt amplifies the returns of L.B.O.

The New York Times

But what will the returns be?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing investments, clarify the type of returns you're referring to (e.g., financial returns, social returns, environmental returns) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the returns" when you mean "retribution" or "comeuppance". "The returns" refers to gains or results, while retribution implies punishment or payback for wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the returns" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the gains, profits, or results derived from an investment, activity, or action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it's used to denote financial or other types of yields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the returns" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe the gains, profits, or results from an investment or activity. Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the type of returns being discussed. Avoid confusing it with words like "retribution", and remember that while typically plural, "the return" can also be used in singular form in specific cases. Alternatives like "the profits" or "the yields" may be suitable depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the profits

Focuses specifically on financial gain, omitting the broader sense of outcomes or results.

the gains

Similar to profits, but can also refer to non-monetary benefits.

the yields

Emphasizes the rate of return on an investment.

the proceeds

Refers to the total amount received from a sale or transaction.

the revenue

The income generated from business activities.

the outcomes

A more general term encompassing all results, not just financial ones.

the results

Similar to outcomes, but often implies a more measurable or quantifiable effect.

the consequences

Focuses on the effects or ramifications of an action, which can be positive or negative.

the benefits

Highlights the advantages or positive aspects resulting from something.

the payback

Highlights the reimbursement of initial investment.

FAQs

How can I use "the returns" in a sentence?

You can use "the returns" to refer to profits, gains, or outcomes from an investment or action. For example, "The returns on the investment exceeded our expectations" or "The returns from the project were significant".

What's the difference between "the returns" and "the profits"?

"The profits" specifically refers to financial gains, while "the returns" can encompass a broader range of outcomes, including non-monetary benefits or results.

What are some alternatives to using "the returns" in a business context?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the yields", "the proceeds", or "the revenue" to refer to financial gains. More broadly, consider using "the outcomes" or "the results".

Is it correct to use "the returns" in both singular and plural forms?

While "the returns" is typically used in the plural form to refer to multiple gains or outcomes, the singular form "the return" can be used to refer to a single instance of a return, such as a tax return or the return of an item.