ENGLISH
REFERENCE

return home

fixed phrase.
A2 Elementary General-service
Definition

fixed phrase. to go back to the place where you live after being away.

fixed phrase. to go back to one's place of residence. The noun 'home' functions adverbially here, so no preposition is used between the verb and the destination.


SIMPLE

I usually return home after work at six.

CONTEXTUAL

After traveling across Europe for three months, she was finally ready to return home.

COMPLEX

The soldiers were eager to return home once the peace treaty had been officially signed by both nations.

Usage

more formal than 'go home' or 'get back'; often used in news reports or literature.

Teaching tip

use this to highlight that 'home' acts as a destination adverb, meaning it does not require 'to' like other destinations such as 'return to the office'.

Pitfall

He wants to return to home.He wants to return home.the word 'home' functions as an adverb of direction in this phrase and does not take the preposition 'to'.

Last updated July 26, 2026