upon their return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon their return" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referencing something that will happen after someone or something is back from an absence of some kind. Example: The team prepared for a celebration upon their return from their successful mission.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many have started Chinese programs upon their return.

The New York Times

Only splinters remained on the rooftop upon their return.

The New York Times

Diagnosed upon their return, they have since fully recovered.

The Guardian

U.S. negotiators will brief President Trump upon their return.

The Washington Post

Upon their return, the copies were fed to a shredder.

The New York Times

provide ongoing support to trainees upon their return.

Columbia University

But upon their return, Mr. Rosado dealt drugs and committed burglary under two aliases.

The New York Times

The wife took sick and died upon their return to Japan.

The New Yorker

Trouble arrives upon their return to La Guardia Airport or Kennedy Airport to fly home.

The New York Times

Upon their return they took important positions and were a modernizing force in society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hundreds of fans greeted them upon their return to campus around 2 30 a.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon their return" to clearly indicate that an event or action occurs immediately or shortly after someone's arrival back from a trip or absence. This phrase is particularly useful in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on their return" in formal contexts where "upon their return" is more appropriate. While "on" can work, "upon" adds a touch of formality and emphasis, signaling immediate succession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon their return" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upon their return" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something happens shortly after someone comes back. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability. While it can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "after they return", "upon their return" lends a slightly more formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and general writing, serving to clearly specify the timing of events following a return. Remember that choosing this phrase can add a touch of formality to your writing, so consider the context and audience when making your decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after they return

A more direct and simpler alternative using 'after'.

following their return

A slightly more formal alternative to "after their return".

on their return

Uses a different preposition but conveys the same meaning.

once they are back

Expresses the condition that something happens after the return.

when they got back

An informal alternative, suitable for casual contexts.

after their comeback

Implies a return to a previous state or position.

their arrival back

Focuses on the arrival aspect of the return.

subsequent to their repatriation

A very formal alternative, typically used in official or legal contexts.

post-return

A concise, modern alternative, often used in technical or business contexts.

at the time of their returning

A more verbose and less common way to express the same idea.

FAQs

How can I use "upon their return" in a sentence?

You can use "upon their return" to describe events that happen shortly after someone comes back. For example, "Upon their return, they were greeted by a crowd of supporters."

What can I say instead of "upon their return"?

Alternatives include "after they return", "following their return", or "on their return", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "upon their return" formal or informal?

"Upon their return" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "after they got back". Use it in professional or academic writing where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Which is correct, "upon their return" or "on their return"?

Both "upon their return" and "on their return" are grammatically correct, but "upon their return" carries a more formal tone. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.