when you return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a future time when someone is expected to come back or arrive again. Example: "Please let me know what you think of the project when you return from your trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is sobbing when you return home.

The New Yorker

When you return is crucial as well.

The New York Times - Travel

We'll meet when you return from London and have drinks.

The New York Times

It's supposed to spring back instantly when you return.

The New York Times - Tech

_It's like store credit, when you return something.

The New Yorker

It brightens right back up when you return your gaze.

The New York Times - Tech

What do you think of when you return?

The New York Times

Finally, note your energy level when you return.

Harvard Business Review

The process is reversed when you return home.

The New York Times

You are never the same when you return from combat.

The New York Times

When you return, you should look like nothing has happened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "upon your return" for a slightly more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "when you return" if the action isn't truly dependent on the return itself. Ensure that the timing of the return directly influences the subsequent event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you return" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when a particular action or event will take place. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to specify the timing relative to someone's return.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

28%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

Harvard Business Review

1%

Duke University

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you return" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used as an adverbial clause of time, commonly found in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to wikis. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When aiming for increased formality, consider alternatives like "upon your return". Avoid using the phrase if the action isn't directly tied to the act of returning. With its high frequency, mastering the use of "when you return" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon your return

Formal alternative using a prepositional phrase instead of a subordinate clause.

on your return

More concise and slightly less formal version of 'upon your return'.

after you get back

Informal phrasing using 'get back' instead of 'return'.

when you arrive back

Emphasizes the act of arriving, using 'arrive back'.

once you are back

Uses 'once' to indicate the time of return.

when you come back

A more conversational alternative to "when you return".

returning

Abbreviated form used in specific contexts like itineraries or schedules.

at the time of your return

Formal and more elaborate way of expressing the same idea.

after your return

Similar to 'upon your return' but with a slightly different emphasis.

subsequent to your return

A formal and somewhat uncommon way of saying "when you return".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when you return" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases such as "upon your return" or "on your return". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is there a less formal way to say "when you return"?

Yes, you can use more casual options like "when you come back" or "after you get back". These phrases are more appropriate for everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "when you return" and "after you return"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence of events, "when you return" implies that something will happen at the moment of returning, whereas "after you return" simply means that something will happen at some point following the return.

Can I use "when you return" in business correspondence?

Yes, "when you return" is perfectly acceptable in business correspondence. However, for a more formal tone, you might prefer "upon your return".