to be returned

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be returned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a passive construction that indicates that the subject will be the recipient of the action being described. You can use this phrase in situations where someone or something will receive something back or will go back to a previous state. For example: - The library books need to be returned by next week. - The lost dog was finally found and will be returned to its owner tomorrow. - The borrowed tools must be returned to their rightful owner. - The stolen money was never to be returned to its rightful owner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Fuegians had to be returned - quickly.

The Guardian - Books

We don't want to be returned home".

The New York Times

It is likely to be returned to South Korea.

The New York Times

Some properties confiscated from Christians are to be returned.

The Economist

The wedding dress fabric is to be returned.

The New Yorker

I demanded to be returned to my country.

The New Yorker

The results are expected to be returned on Saturday afternoon.

Independent

"That needs to be returned to the horses," she said.

The Washington Post

The items have yet to be returned, said House.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Democrats want Mr. Zelaya to be returned to power.

The New York Times

At least one shot appeared to be returned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be returned" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for the return action.

Common error

Avoid using "to be returned" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct, especially if the actor is known. For example, instead of "The book is to be returned by John", write "John must return the book."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be returned" functions primarily as a passive infinitive, often used to express an obligation, expectation, or future action. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction places emphasis on the subject receiving the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be returned" is a versatile and commonly used passive infinitive phrase indicating that something must be brought back or restored. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of clarity, opting for active voice when appropriate. Consider alternatives like "to be restored" or "to be sent back" for nuanced expression and remember that the clarity of expression may be improved by a construction in the active form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be restored

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to its original condition or state.

to be given back

Highlights the act of handing something back to its owner or previous location.

to be handed over

Focuses on the act of transferring something, often with a sense of obligation or formality.

to be sent back

Emphasizes the action of sending something to its origin.

to be brought back

Highlights the action of retrieving something and taking it back to a specific location.

to revert

Implies a return to a previous state or condition, often automatically or naturally.

to be remitted

Focuses on sending money back.

to be delivered back

Emphasizes the delivery aspect of returning something.

to be shipped back

Highlights the shipping method of returning something.

to be transported back

Focuses on the mode of transportation when something is returned.

FAQs

How do I use "to be returned" in a sentence?

Use "to be returned" to indicate that something is expected or required to go back to its original place or owner. For example, "The library books need "to be returned" by next week."

What can I say instead of "to be returned"?

You can use alternatives like "to be restored", "to be given back", or "to be sent back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice construction "to be returned"?

The passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object of the action. For example, "The stolen painting is expected "to be returned" soon" focuses on the painting rather than who will return it.

What is the difference between "to be returned" and "returned"?

"Returned" is the past participle form of the verb "return", often used in perfect tenses or as an adjective (e.g., "the returned item"). "To be returned" is an infinitive passive form, indicating a future action or obligation (e.g., "the item needs "to be returned"").