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Business English vocabulary · Emails and Reports

By return

Meaning in business english, with examples

phraseAdvanced term

In business english, by return means: Used in correspondence to request a reply immediately after receiving a message.

In Turkish: gecikmeden yanıt olarak

How it is used

Mainly formal British correspondence, traditionally by return of post. It can sound old-fashioned or demanding; use a clear deadline if timing is critical.

Example sentences

  1. The supplier asked us to confirm the corrected delivery address by return.

    The request concerns a prompt reply after receipt, rather than returning a parcel.

  2. Please let us know by return whether the revised invoice has reached your accounts team.

    The sender wants quick confirmation of receipt, not immediate payment of the invoice.

Common collocations

  • reply by return
  • confirm by return
  • get back toTo contact someone again later, usually to give them an answer or information that you do not have yet.
  • ASAPShort for as soon as possible: used when something should be done or sent without any delay.

More terms: Emails and Reports

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