when returning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when returning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of coming back to a place or situation after being away. Example: "When returning from vacation, I always feel refreshed and ready to tackle my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When returning your vehicle, complete an accident report with the car rental agency.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Friends play an equally important role in welcoming a student back when returning from leave.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first pick call uses this format ("%g") when returning values.

Harvard University

Sometimes they filled empty bags with films when returning from an arms delivery.

The Economist

Bartoli played aggressively throughout, standing inside the baseline even when returning first serves.

The New York Times - Sports

Rose hasn't played in nine months, and there are no certainties when returning from A.C.L. surgery.

The New York Times

He kept to an 8 p.m. curfew except when returning from football practice or church.

The New York Times

When returning to a traditional career track, men and women had markedly different experiences.

Harvard Business Review

Originally escaped to Greece, but arrested in 1990 when returning to Britain on a false passport.

The Guardian

Equally, when returning after having a child the workplace can seem to have changed yet again.

The Guardian

Americans now typically present just driver's licenses or birth certificates when returning from those areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when returning", ensure the context clearly defines the place or state to which someone or something is returning. For example, "When returning home, check for any signs of damage after a storm."

Common error

Avoid using "when returning" without specifying where or what one is returning to. For example, instead of just saying "When returning, be careful", specify "When returning to the office, be careful of the wet floor."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when returning" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action occurs. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when returning" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial clause, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively establishes a temporal relationship, indicating the timing of an action or state relative to someone or something's return. While appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers, awareness of subtle nuances and alternative phrasing can refine your writing. The phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently in authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon returning

Uses a prepositional phrase instead of a subordinate clause, creating a more concise expression.

on return

Similar to "upon returning" but even more concise, using a noun phrase.

as one returns

Emphasizes the action of returning with "as", suggesting simultaneity.

after the return

Focuses on the completion of the return before a subsequent action.

subsequent to returning

A more formal alternative using "subsequent to" to indicate the time following the return.

following the return

Similar to "after the return", but emphasizes the sequence of events.

as they come back

Breaks down "returning" into simpler terms for clarity and informality.

upon arrival back

Emphasizes the arrival aspect of returning, suitable when the arrival is the key point.

after going back

Describes the action in more explicit terms, suitable for situations where the act of going back needs emphasis.

once back

Short, informal way of saying "when returning", useful for brevity.

FAQs

How can I use "when returning" in a sentence?

Use "when returning" to introduce a clause that describes an action or state upon coming back to a place, condition, or activity. Example: "When returning to the office, remember to sanitize your hands."

What are some alternatives to "when returning"?

You can use alternatives like "upon returning", "on return", or "after returning" depending on the desired level of formality and conciseness.

Is it better to say "when returning" or "after returning"?

Both "when returning" and "after returning" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "When returning" implies simultaneity, while "after returning" emphasizes the sequence of events. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Can "when returning" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "when returning" is appropriate for formal writing, though more formal alternatives like "subsequent to returning" might be preferred in some contexts for a heightened level of formality.