He returned the book to the library.

Meaning: This sentence describes someone giving a book back to the library.

Choice of Words: Return means to give something back to its owner or to the place from which it came. Book refers to a written or printed work containing information or stories. Library is a place where books and other materials are kept for reading, reference, or borrowing. To indicates the destination or recipient of something. When combined, he returned the book to the library means he gave the book back to the library.

Alternative Expressions

He gave the book back to the library.

Meaning: This means that the person took the book back to the library and gave it to the librarian or put it on a shelf. It's like saying, He handed the book to the librarian.

Choice of Words: Gave means to transfer possession of something to someone. The book is a physical object that can be read. The library is a building or room where books are kept and can be borrowed and returned. When you put them together, "He gave the book back to the library" means that he transferred possession of the book back to the library.

He put the book back on the shelf.

Meaning: This means that the person took the book back to the library and put it back in its original place on the shelf. It's like saying, He put the book back where he found it.

Choice of Words: Put means to place something in a specific location. The book is a physical object that can be read. The shelf is a structure designed to hold and display books. When you put them together, "He put the book back on the shelf" means that he placed the book back on the shelf where it belongs.

Related Expressions