time to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that it is the appropriate moment to go back to a previous location or situation. Example: "After a long day of exploring the city, it was finally time to return to the hotel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to return to 1936.

The Guardian - Business

It was time to return.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's time to return to the bunkhouse.

The New York Times

"It is time to return home".

The New York Times

"It is time to return to work".

The New Yorker

Now it is time to return it.

The New York Times

But I knew it was time to return to mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is time to return to Madrid," he says.

The Economist

It will soon be time to return home.

Independent

After a short night though, it was time to return.

Independent

It's time to return to planning and cooking again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time to return" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the return is logically connected to the preceding events or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "time to return" in situations where a more specific phrase would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "It's time to return to the topic", consider "Let's revisit the topic" or "We should now focus on the topic again."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to return" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the appropriate or designated moment for going back to a previous place, state, or activity. This expression is widely used across various contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time to return" is a versatile and frequently used expression to signal a reversion to a previous state, location, or activity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees application across numerous contexts, including news, scientific literature, and academic discussions. While it's appropriate in most situations, considering alternative phrases for enhanced clarity in abstract contexts is advisable. The phrase is generally neutral in register, rendering it suitable for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment to go back

Focuses on the specific instant or opportunity for returning.

occasion to come back

Emphasizes the opportunity or event that allows for a return.

chance to revisit

Highlights the possibility of returning for a new experience.

opportunity to revert

Implies a return to a previous condition or system.

point of turning back

Suggests a critical moment where returning is still an option.

period for homecoming

Relates to a designated duration or season for returning home.

signal to retreat

Indicates an indication that it is time to go back. Often used in military context

window to circle back

Suggests a limited timeframe to return to a topic or issue.

the hour of return

More dramatic or literary way to express the time for something to go back

the season for revisiting

Emphasizes a specific time of year that is opportune to go back

FAQs

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

You can use "time to return" to indicate a moment to go back to a place, activity, or state. For example: "After the vacation, it was "time to return" home", or "It's "time to return" to our regularly scheduled programming".

What are some alternatives to saying "time to return"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "moment to go back", "occasion to come back", or "chance to revisit".

Is "time to go back" the same as "time to return"?

"Time to go back" is a simpler, more direct alternative to ""time to return"". While both convey the need to revert to a previous state or location, ""time to return"" can sound more formal or definitive.

When is it appropriate to use "time to return" in writing?

Use ""time to return"" when you want to indicate a clear decision or signal to revert or go back to a previous state, location, or activity. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.