we returned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we returned to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a return to a previous location, state, or situation. Example: "After a long day of exploring the city, we returned to our hotel to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We returned to Corvallis, heartbroken.

The New York Times - Science

We returned to the ward.

The Guardian

We returned to Brussels.

The New York Times - Travel

Satisfied, we returned to our film.

The New York Times

Then we returned to our separate lives.

The New York Times

We returned to class much calmer children.

The New York Times

We returned to Fontana Village to prepare.

The New Yorker

We returned to Saleh and his predicament.

The New Yorker

So we returned to the workbench.

The Economist

We returned to our routines.

The New York Times

We returned to the alley.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we returned to" to clearly indicate a return to a previous location, topic, or state. Ensure the context makes it clear what "we" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "we returned to" if the referent of "we" is ambiguous. Make sure your audience understands who "we" represents to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we returned to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of going back to a previous place, state, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and frequent occurrence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we returned to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating a return to a previous state, place, or activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "we went back to" and "we came back to" exist, "we returned to" offers a clear and straightforward way to convey the idea of going back. Pay attention to pronoun reference to ensure clarity and avoid redundant phrasing like "returned back to". Overall, the phrase is versatile and effective in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we went back to

A more straightforward and common way of expressing the same idea.

we came back to

Similar to "went back to", but emphasizes the act of coming rather than simply going.

we got back to

A more casual way of saying "we returned to".

we headed back to

Emphasizes the direction of the return journey.

we made our way back to

Suggests a more complex or difficult return journey.

we revisited

Implies a more formal or deliberate return.

we found ourselves back in

Implies a return that may have been unexpected or unintentional.

we retreated to

Suggests a return to a place for safety or comfort.

we repaired to

A more formal or literary way of saying "we returned to".

we reverted to

Indicates a return to a previous state or behavior.

FAQs

How to use "we returned to" in a sentence?

Use "we returned to" to indicate a return to a previous location, topic, or state. For example, "After exploring the city, "we returned to" our hotel."

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

You can use alternatives like "we went back to", "we came back to", or "we revisited" depending on the context.

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

No, "returned" already implies going back, so saying "returned back" is redundant. Use ""we returned to"" instead.

What's the difference between "we returned to" and "we reverted to"?

"We returned to" generally refers to a physical location or a topic of discussion, while "we reverted to" indicates a return to a previous state, behavior, or habit.