A1verb1K

Return

UK /["/rɪˈtɜːn/","/rɪˈtɜːnz/","/rɪˈtɜːnd/","/rɪˈtɜːnɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈtɜːrn/","/rɪˈtɜːrnz/","/rɪˈtɜːrnd/","/rɪˈtɜːrnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to come or go back from one place to another

In simple words: to give something back that you borrowed or received

Examples

  • Please return the book to the library after you are done reading it.
  • She decided to return home after the long trip.
  • The company will return your money if the product is faulty.
  • He plans to return to school next semester.
  • They will return the favor when you help them.

Usage notes

Use 'return' when giving back items, like books or borrowed money. It's neutral and commonly used. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words might be better.

Grammar pattern

return + object

Memory hint

Think of 'returning' as turning something back to where it came from.

Collocations

  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to
  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to
  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to
  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to
  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to
  • recently
  • shortly
  • promptly
  • be due to
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • from
  • to

Synonyms

  • reappear, resurface

Antonyms

  • borrow
  • keep
  • retain

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'returning' as a gerund when it should be a verb.
  • Using 'return' without indicating what is being returned.
  • Mixing up 'return' with 'give back' in formal contexts.