is returned vs was returned

The phrases "is returned" and "was returned" are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Is returned" is used for present or general situations, while "was returned" is used for past situations. Therefore, the choice between them depends on the tense of the sentence.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 3209 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English for present or general situations.

"is returned"

Use "is returned" when referring to something that is currently being returned or as a general statement about the return of an item.

Examples:

The book is returned to the library every two weeks.
The lost wallet is returned to its owner.
The favor is returned with gratitude.

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The deposit is returned to every tenderer immediately after the quota recommendation.
Now, unless the money is returned,
Your mistress is returned to her house.
(Mercer) The last of our ships is returned.
Father... ...I have kept my promise and Meredith is returned to her mother.
The budget outturn is returned to the Member States the following year through deduction of their amounts due for that financial year.
If "arrayY" and "arrayX" are empty or have a different number of data points, then #N/ A is returned.
He said it was a good kidnapping if the child is returned safely
After all, we can protest loudly at a lack of funding, but if you consider what is returned to the Member States, then this always strikes me as a little strange.
The budget outturn is returned to the Member States the following year through deduction of their amounts due for that financial year.
When she is returned to my arms in the afterlife.
Only when the water is returned can the curse be lifted.
Not until my dynamite is returned.
I just want to be sure that Colin is returned alive.
I'll see it is returned.
I'll see that your car is returned.
He'll cooperate as soon as all his property is returned to him.
The Queen will be held without bail until the sample is returned from the lab.
This right should initially be guaranteed by the country the individual is returned to.
Once it is returned, my plan will be complete.

Alternatives:

gets returned
has been returned
will be returned
has returned
returns

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English for past situations.

"was returned"

Use "was returned" when referring to something that was returned in the past.

Examples:

The package was returned to the sender.
The car was returned to the dealership.
The favor was returned in kind.

Show examples from the web [+]

But on the positive side, the specimen was returned to its natural habitat.
As for me I was returned home by the homeland security.
- It was returned at 0300 this morning.
It was returned to Mary's family a long time ago.
This amount was returned to the Member States last year.
Word came up that was returned.
And in every case, the child was returned to the biological parents.
And one day he was returned to me.
Roberto was returned to me, yes, but he died of dysentery on his journey home.
Last Sunday, at 1700 hours, the body of a Time Lord was returned to the earth.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Budahas was returned to his home though his knowledge of his disappearance and whereabouts is vague and inconclusive.
Since Atlantis was returned to the Ancestors... ...the Genii are the most powerful and organized group of humans... ...fighting the Wraith.
The Royal Hope Hospital was returned to its original position.
Weapon was returned to the officer.
It also seems Gladys' perfume was returned.
So if the real Moon rock was returned to the museum...
I was returned... like a defective toy.
When my parents died suddenly I was returned back to Orion and forced into slavery.
And Aziz was returned to them.
You gave Daphne this wind-up toy that Tasha was holding when she was returned.

Alternatives:

had been returned
was being returned
had returned
was returning
was to be returned

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is returned vs was returned

"is returned"

"was returned"

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