return a book to the library

Meaning

This phrase describes the action of giving back a borrowed book to a public or school library, usually before or on its due date. It is a common daily chore or task. The tone is completely neutral and practical.

Examples

• I need to return a book to the library before they close at six.

  I need to return a book to the library before they close at six.

• If you don't return a book to the library on time, you might have to pay a small fine.

  If you don't return a book to the library on time, you might have to pay a small fine.

• Can you please return this book to the library for me on your way home?

  Can you please return this book to the library for me on your way home?

• I completely forgot to return a book to the library, and now it is two weeks overdue.

  I completely forgot to return a book to the library, and now it is two weeks overdue.

• He dropped by the campus to return a book to the library and study for his exams.

  He dropped by the campus to return a book to the library and study for his exams.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to return back a book to the library.

  ✓ I need to return a book to the library.

  'Return' already means 'to give back', so adding the word 'back' is redundant.

• ✗ I returned a book at the library yesterday.

  ✓ I returned a book to the library yesterday.

  We use the preposition 'to' with 'return' to indicate the destination where the item is being delivered.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ before the due date, or you'll get a fine.

  💡 Give back a borrowed item to the place you got it from.

  Show answer

  return a book to the library

• I have to go downtown to ___ that I finished reading last night.

  💡 Take a borrowed reading material back to its home.

  Show answer

  return a book to the library