was returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was returned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been given back after being borrowed or used. Example: The library book I borrowed was returned on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Kammerer was 33, 6ft tall, athletic, muscular.

Independent

But that was 15, 20 years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was 27, 28 – maybe younger.

The Guardian - Arts

He was 40, 41, a mature artist.

The New York Times - Arts

When Botstein was 23, 4 1/2 yrs.

The New Yorker

I was 24, 25 years old.

Huffington Post

Another cluster was NLRP1, 6, 10, 3.

Plosone

"My velocity is 94, 95.

The New York Times - Sports

Statewide percentages were 75, 86 and 83.

The New York Times

My children are 4, 7, and 9.

The New York Times

Capacities are 16, 32, and 64 gigabytes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was returned" to clearly indicate that an item or state has been restored or given back. Ensure the context specifies who or what received the returned item.

Common error

Avoid using "was returned" with plural subjects; instead, use "were returned". For example, "The books were returned" not "The books was returned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was returned" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject received something back. Given Ludwig AI's assessment, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for indicating the return of an object or state.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was returned" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the act of something being given back or restored. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is currently missing based on available data. It's appropriate for a range of contexts, maintaining a neutral tone that emphasizes the action of returning rather than the actor. When using the phrase, ensure subject-verb agreement and avoid redundant additions like "returned back".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was given back

Focuses on the action of giving something back, emphasizing the return.

was restored

Highlights the act of returning something to its original condition or place.

was handed back

Emphasizes the physical act of passing something back to someone.

was refunded

Specifically refers to the return of money.

was reverted

Implies a return to a previous state or version.

was sent back

Highlights the action of sending something back, typically via mail or courier.

was brought back

Indicates the act of carrying something back to its origin.

was put back

Focuses on placing something back where it belongs.

was repaid

Specifically means the act of paying back a debt or loan.

was reestablished

Highlights a return to a previous status or condition, often in a more formal context.

FAQs

How can I use "was returned" in a sentence?

You can use "was returned" to indicate that something has been given back or restored. For example, "The library book "was given back" on time" or "The stolen painting "was restored" to the museum".

What's the difference between "was returned" and "has been returned"?

"Was returned" indicates a completed action in the past, while "has been returned" implies a completed action with present relevance. For example, "The package "was sent back" yesterday" versus "The package "has been sent back", so we should receive a refund soon".

What can I say instead of "was returned"?

You can use alternatives like ""was given back"", ""was restored"", or "was handed back" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was returned back"?

No, "returned" already implies a movement back, so saying "returned back" is redundant. It's best to simply say "it "was given back"".