in return
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- As a reciprocal action or exchange: Used to indicate that something is done, given, or received as a response or compensation for something else. It often implies a mutual or corresponding action.
Usage
Basic Usage: The phrase "in return" is used to describe an action or item given as a response to a prior action or item. It is commonly followed by the preposition "for" to specify what is being reciprocated.
- Example: She helped me move, so I cooked her dinner in return.
- Example: He gave me his old laptop, and in return, I offered to tutor his son.
With "for": The construction "in return for" explicitly states the thing that is being exchanged or compensated.
- Example: I gave him my ticket in return for his promise to drive me home.
- Example: They received a bonus in return for their hard work.
Examples
- Adverb:
- He watched my dog while I was away, so I watered his plants in return.
- The company offers flexible hours; in return, it expects a high level of commitment from its employees.
- What can I do in return for your kindness?
Advanced Usage
- Formal/Contractual Context: Used in formal agreements or descriptions of transactions to denote consideration or quid pro quo.
- The investor provided capital, and in return, received a 10% stake in the company.
- Figurative Reciprocity: Can describe non-tangible exchanges, such as emotions or actions.
- Her trust was given freely, and she expected honesty in return.
Variants and Related Words
- In exchange: A near-synonymous phrase often used interchangeably, though "in exchange" can sound slightly more transactional.
- He traded his sandwich in exchange for a piece of cake.
- In reciprocation: A more formal synonym.
- As a quid pro quo: A Latin phrase used in formal contexts meaning "something for something."
Synonyms
- In exchange
- As a reciprocal gesture
- As payback (can imply a more direct repayment, sometimes negative)
- As compensation
Related Phrases
- In return for (something): This is the standard prepositional phrase used with the adverb.
- She offered her assistance in return for some advice.
Idioms and Common Collocations
- To do something in return: A common collocation meaning to perform a reciprocal action.
- You've done so much for me; I must do something in return.
- To get/receive something in return: A common collocation for describing the item or action received.
- He invested a lot of time and got very little in return.
Adverb
- (often followed by `for') in exchange or in reciprocation
- gave up our seats on the plane and in return received several hundred dollars and seats on the next plane out
- we get many benefits in return for our taxes