key return

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act of giving a key back to the person or company it belongs to.

   Grammar: Usually no article: 'Key return is at noon.' You can also say 'the key return' when you mean a specific event.

   Patterns

   • key return to someone
   • key return at a place
   • the key return

   Key return is at the front desk before you leave the hotel.

   The landlord arranged a key return for the last day of the month.

   Please remember that key return must happen before your final paycheck.

2. 2nouncountable

   A place or a container where people leave keys when they finish using them.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a key return' or 'key returns'. Often used in signs and instructions.

   Patterns

   • a key return box
   • at the key return
   • use the key return

   There is a key return by the main door for after-hours drop-offs.

   The key return is the small slot next to the elevator.

   We installed a new key return so guests do not have to wait in line.

Common combinations

key return box

Leave your key in the key return box when you check out.

key return policy

The rental company has a strict key return policy.

key return deadline

The key return deadline is 11 a.m. on the day you move out.

arrange a key return

I called the office to arrange a key return for Saturday.

Synonyms and how they differ

key drop

Usually refers to the physical slot or box where you leave a key, not the whole process.

key handover

More formal and often used when keys are passed to a new person, not returned to the owner.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “key return”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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