we are returning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are returning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that you or a group is going back to a previous location or situation. Example: "After a long trip, we are returning home." Alternative expressions include "we are going back" and "we are heading back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are returning to business as usual".

The New York Times

We are returning to the airport".

The New York Times

"People are shooting towards us and we are returning fire".

The New York Times

"We are returning back to May," said Mr. Abdel Mahdi.

The New York Times

We are returning to Britain after very careful thought.

The Guardian

It means we are returning to socialized medicine.

The New York Times

We've just announced we are returning to headline The Leadmill in June.

Independent

Right now we are returning a little more than 6percenttotourur shareholders.

The New York Times

Just stay quiet and you will be O.K. We are returning to the airport.

The New York Times

We are returning to a situation with only one political party".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, people are shooting from his house, so sometimes we are returning fire".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are returning", ensure the context clearly indicates the place, state, or activity you are going back to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are returning back" as it is redundant. The word "returning" already implies going back, making "back" unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are returning" is to express an action in progress—specifically, the act of a group moving back to a previous place or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are returning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a group's action of going back to a previous state or location. Ludwig AI data confirms this, showing its prevalence in news, academic, and everyday contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specify where or to what you're returning to avoid ambiguity. Remember to avoid redundancy by not adding "back" after "returning". Overall, "we are returning" is a versatile and effective phrase for conveying the idea of a return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're going back

This is a more concise, conversational alternative using a contraction.

we're heading back

This phrase suggests a return journey or direction.

we are going back

This is a direct and simple alternative with a slight difference in tone.

we are reverting

This implies a return to a former condition or practice.

we are reverting to

This phrase explicitly states that the subject is reverting back to something specific.

we are restoring

This suggests bringing something back to its original condition or state.

we are going to return

This is the infinitive form, less immediate than the continuous.

we plan to return

This phrase indicates a planned or scheduled return.

we will be back

This suggests a future return, often with an implied promise.

we shall return

This is a more formal or emphatic way of saying "we will be back".

FAQs

What does "we are returning" mean?

The phrase "we are returning" signifies a group's act of going back to a previous location, condition, or activity.

What can I say instead of "we are returning"?

You can use alternatives like "we are going back", "we are heading back", or "we are reverting to" depending on the context.

How do I use "we are returning" in a sentence?

To use "we are returning" in a sentence, make sure to specify where or to what you are returning. For example, "We are returning to the office after lunch" or "We are returning to our original plan".

Is it correct to say "we are returning back"?

No, it is not correct. Saying "we are returning back" is redundant. The word "returning" already implies going back, so just use "we are returning".