What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
returned
Example
I returned the book to the library. [returned: verb]
Example
She returned home after a long trip abroad. [returned: past tense]
Example
The medicine helped to return his health to normal. [return: verb]
restore
Example
We need to restore this old house before we can sell it. [restore: verb]
Example
The museum is working to restore the ancient artifacts. [restore: verb]
Example
The stolen painting was restored to its rightful owner. [restored: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Returned is more commonly used in everyday language than restore. Restore is often used in technical or specialized contexts, such as in the fields of art restoration or computer data recovery.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between returned and restore?
Restore is more formal than returned and is often used in technical or specialized contexts. Returned is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
