to return

USAGE SUMMARY

"to return" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate an action or movement back to or towards a previous place or position. For example: "He decided to return to his hometown after his studies were complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exiled tycoon to return?

Independent

Not to return.

The New York Times - Sports

Ability to return?

The New York Times

She promised to return.

The New York Times - Health

I expect to return.

The New Yorker

Zip to return to posts.

The New York Times

To return to the Before.

The New York Times - Books

I'm already preparing to return.

The New York Times - Arts

Do you plan to return?

The New York Times

He was impatient to return.

The New Yorker

Difficult, having left, to return.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to return", ensure the context clearly indicates the destination or original state. For example, "to return home" or "to return to normal".

Common error

Avoid using redundant prepositions after "to return". For example, instead of saying "to return back", simply say "to return".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to return" primarily functions as an infinitive, often serving as part of a verb phrase. It describes an action of going back or restoring something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to return" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that indicates a movement back to a previous state, place, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using "to return", avoid redundancy and ensure the context clearly defines the destination or restored state. Consider alternatives like "to come back" or "to revert" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to come back

This alternative emphasizes the act of coming back to a place or state.

to revert

This suggests a return to a previous condition or state.

to restore

This implies a return to a former condition or place.

to repay

This focuses on the action of giving something back, often in a financial or reciprocal sense.

to give back

This alternative phrase indicates the action of handing something back to its original owner.

to rejoin

Focuses on rejoining a group or activity after an absence.

to retrovert

A more formal way of saying to turn back.

to regress

Describes a return to a less developed state.

to retort

This indicates a sharp, quick reply or response.

to refund

This focuses on the action of giving money back, typically for a returned item or service.

FAQs

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

You can use "to return" in sentences indicating a movement back, like "He plans "to return home" soon", or a restoration, such as "The goal is "to return the company to profitability"".

What are some alternatives to "to return"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to come back", "to revert", or "to restore". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "return back"?

No, saying "return back" is redundant. The word "return" already implies going back, so "back" is unnecessary. Use "to return" instead.

What's the difference between "to return" and "to revert"?

"To return" generally implies a physical movement or action of giving something back. "To revert", on the other hand, suggests a return to a previous state or condition.