What is return? Pronunciation and usage in English

return means . Learn how to pronounce and use return through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of return

returnverb/noun

/rɪˈtəːn/
Definition & pronunciation of return

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "return" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈɜː.tən/ (Rhymes with "hurt on")**

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈɜː - This is the stressed syllable. It’s pronounced like the vowel sound in "hurt." Think of a short, sharp "er" sound.
  • -tə - This is a smoother sound. It’s similar to the "tu" in "butter," but a little shorter.
  • -n - This is a simple "n" sound.

Here’s a way to visualize it:

  • hurt (like the pain) + on (as in, "returning to")

Here are some helpful resources to hear the pronunciation:

Common Mispronunciations and Why They’re Wrong:

  • “re-turn” - The "re" is not pronounced. It’s just part of the spelling.
  • “riturn” - The initial “r” is silent.

To help me further tailor advice, would you like:

  • To hear an example spoken aloud?
  • To focus on a specific accent (e.g., American English, British English)?

Usage and examples with the word return in English

Let's break down how to use the word "return" in English. It's a hugely versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - To Come Back)

  • Basic Meaning: This is the most common usage – to go back to a place or state.
    • "I return home every evening." (Go back home)
    • "She returned the book to the library." (Gave it back)
    • "The package returned to sender." (Went back to the shipping company)
    • "He returned a call." (Called someone back)
  • Returning an Item: Shopping and retail.
    • "Please return this item if you’re not satisfied."
    • "I need to return these pants – they don’t fit."
  • Returning a Favor:
    • “I return your kindness with gratitude.” (I thank you)
  • Returning to a Previous State/Condition:
    • "The flower returned to its full bloom." (Grew back to full size)
    • "His health returned after the illness." (He got better)

2. As a Verb (Sending Something Back)

  • Sending Back: Often used with letters, packages, or messages.
    • "I'll return your email as soon as I get a reply."
    • "He returned the postcard to her with a photo."

3. As a Noun (Thing Returned)

  • Result of Returning: Describes what is given back.
    • "I received a return package today." (The package that was sent back)
    • "The company issued a return policy." (A policy for returning items)
  • A Return Trip: A journey back to a place.
    • “Let’s plan a return trip to Italy next year.”

4. As an Adjective (Relating to a Return)

  • Returning: Indicating something is coming back or going back.
    • "The returning customers were happy with the new menu." (Customers who are coming back)

Key Differences & Nuances

  • "Return" vs. "Retain": These are often confused. “Return” means to give back or go back. “Retain” means to keep or hold onto.

    • Example: "I returned the borrowed book." vs. "I retained the recipe."

  • "Return to" vs. "Go back to": Both mean to return, but "return to" often implies a more definite or original state.

    • "I returned to my hometown after many years." (Going back to where I grew up)
    • "I went back to my hometown for a visit." (A shorter visit)

Let’s Practice!

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "return":

  1. I need to __________ the library book.
  2. He promised to __________ my phone call.
  3. The package was accidentally __________ to sender.
  4. We took a __________ trip to the beach.
  5. Her health __________ after the surgery.

Answers:

  1. return
  2. return
  3. returned
  4. return
  5. returned

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "return" in? (e.g., writing an email, a formal letter, casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word return

Practice with vocabulary return

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After reviewing the proposed changes, the committee decided to _______ the document to the legal department for further revisions.
  2. The quarterly financial report indicated a substantial _______ on investment for the new product line.
  3. Employees are kindly requested to _______ their completed expense reports to the finance department by Friday.
  4. Please _______ to my earlier email concerning the project timeline updates.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After completing her overseas assignment, she plans to _______ her home country. A) return to B) come back to C) revisit D) depart from

  2. The shareholders are expecting a significant _______ on their investments this fiscal year. A) profit B) gain C) return D) loss

  3. The librarian asked the students to _______ the borrowed books by the end of the week. A) give back B) replace C) renew D) hand in

  4. If you are not satisfied with the product, you may _______ it within 30 days for a full refund. A) exchange B) return C) keep D) send back

  5. Following the police investigation, the stolen artwork was successfully _______ to the museum. A) recovered B) restored C) retrieved D) given back

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: After completing her maternity leave, she resumed her duties as head of department. Rewrite using "return":

  2. Original: The management is hopeful that the new marketing strategy will generate good profits. Rewrite using "return":

  3. Original: The antique clock was carefully given back its original state by the restorer. Rewrite using a suitable replacement (do not use "return"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. return
  2. return
  3. submit
  4. reply

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A, B (return to, come back to)
  2. A, B, C (profit, gain, return)
  3. A, D (give back, hand in)
  4. B, D (return, send back)
  5. A, C (recovered, retrieved)

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After completing her maternity leave, she will return to her duties as head of department.
  2. The management is hopeful that the new marketing strategy will yield a good return.
  3. The antique clock was carefully restored to its original state by the restorer.

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