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Prepositions with return

In return or of return?

In return is a common expression meaning in exchange. Of return is uncommon on its own and usually appears in longer phrases such as date of return.

Quick answer

Which phrase is standard?

Use in return when something is given or done in exchange for something else. Of return is not usually used alone after return, but it can appear in noun phrases such as time of return or ticket of return in formal contexts.

She helped me, and I bought her lunch in return.
We confirmed the date of return.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in return

Showing exchange or response

Use in return when one action or gift responds to another.

He offered advice in return.
They received discounts in return for early payment.
2
return to + place

Describing movement back

Use return to with destinations after the noun or verb return.

Her return to work was gradual.
The team's return to London was delayed.
3
of return

Used in formal noun phrases

Of return appears mainly in formal or descriptive phrases.

The exact time of return is unknown.
Passengers must state the date of return.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in return
I cooked dinner, and she washed the dishes in return.
in exchange or as a response
of return
The date of return was changed.
formal phrase linking return to another noun
return to
His return to school surprised everyone.
movement back to a place or activity
on return
Please call me on your return.
when someone comes back

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of return for exchange

Of return does not normally mean in exchange.

✕ She gave me a gift of return. ✓ She gave me a gift in return.

Using in return before a destination

Return to is used for movement back to a place.

✕ Their return in Paris was delayed. ✓ Their return to Paris was delayed.

Confusing return as a noun and verb

The noun often needs a preposition.

✕ He return home tomorrow. ✓ He will return home tomorrow.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He lent me his bike, and I helped him move ___ return.
2. The date ___ return has not been confirmed.
3. Her return ___ work was successful.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in return mean?

It means in exchange for something or as a response to something.

Is of return common in everyday English?

No. It is mostly used in formal noun phrases such as date of return.

Can I say return in work?

Usually no. The standard phrase is return to work.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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