I returned the book on time.

Meaning: I gave back the book to the library before the due date.

Choice of Words: Returned means to give back something that was borrowed. Book is a written or printed work of literature. On means at or during a particular time. Time is the period during which something happens or exists.

Alternative Expressions

I gave the book back when I was supposed to.

Meaning: This means that the speaker handed the book back to where it belongs at the time that was agreed upon.

Choice of Words: Gave means to hand something over to someone. Book is the object that was handed over. Back means to return something to where it belongs. When I was supposed to means that the book was handed over at the agreed-upon time. When you put them together, "I gave the book back when I was supposed to" means that the speaker handed the book back to where it belongs at the agreed-upon time.

I brought the book back on the due date.

Meaning: This means that the speaker carried the book back to where it belongs on the day when it was supposed to be returned.

Choice of Words: Brought means to carry something from one place to another. Book is the object that was carried. Back means to return something to where it belongs. Due date means the day when something is supposed to be returned. When you put them together, "I brought the book back on the due date" means that the speaker carried the book back to where it belongs on the day when it was supposed to be returned.

Related Expressions