return them vs return it

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Return them' is used when referring to multiple items or people that need to be returned, while 'return it' is used when referring to a single item or object that needs to be returned.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 288 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple items or people that need to be returned.

"return them"

Use 'return them' when you are talking about giving back multiple items or people. It is the plural form of 'return it'.

Examples:

Please return them to the store by Friday.
I need to return them to their owners as soon as possible.

Show examples from the web [+]

Emily Post says we have to return them all.
There is nobody to return them to.
When the Messenians refused to return them, the Spartans invaded Messenia.
The latter, will undertake to return them in the day of departure.
Got to watch all these movies before I have to return them.
I need to return them home, along with the evidence Darnley is holding against me, my royal seal.
You must take reasonable care of the goods and immediately return them at your own expense.
He mentioned it to me so I thought I'd return them.
Unfortunately, a group of farmers who were allowed to use the reclamators are now refusing to return them.
We must get them out, return them to our time.
Tourists feel compelled to buy them, return them to the next of kin.
And the only way that Hodgins can get them back to return them is by going out with me tonight and three more times this month.
And return them safely to the Saratoga.
I borrowed these dishes today, so you have to return them as soon as the store next door opens tomorrow.
And then I would like to return them so that someone else might enjoy them.
My husband bought sleep machines in excess the other day, so I'm heading to the Buy More to return them.
Along comes Stranger, a tall, dark and enigmatic bounty hunter with a mission to capture troublemakers and scoundrels and return them to civilized townships for incarceration.
The department would be very happy to seize all of those and return them to their rightful owner.
Transported to Australia for daring to form a trade union, the nation rose up and forced the government to return them to their families.
Software developer Peter Norton bought the letters for US$156,500 and announced his intention to return them to Salinger.

Alternatives:

return those
give them back
send them back
take them back
hand them over

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a single item or object that needs to be returned.

"return it"

Use 'return it' when you are talking about giving back a single item or object. It is the singular form of 'return them'.

Examples:

I need to return it to the library tomorrow.
Could you please return it to the store for me?

Show examples from the web [+]

You're supposed to return it when you quit.
Tracked her down to return it.
I practically got arrested trying to return it at the store.
Yes, and I'm here to return it.
My brother was afraid to return it.
My daughter borrowed it and wants to return it.
Dad, please don't return it.
And really what I should do is just return it.
Maybe I won't be able to return it.
So if he ever wants to return it...
Guess you don't have to return it now.
Sincerely hope you're here to return it.
I'm glad we don't have to return it.
Ralph and Vanellope steal the car, but are forced to return it.
So you can't put the cork back in and return it.
He got a book and didn't return it.
The real thief was Louvre employee Vincenzo Peruggia an Italian wishing to return it to Italy.
I want you to return it immediately and everything will be forgotten.
We should have it dry-cleaned before we return it.
Sorry I didn't think to return it before...

Alternatives:

return that
give it back
send it back
take it back
hand it over

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

return them vs return it

"return them"

"return it"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text