In return means in exchange, as a response: she watered my plants, and I fed her cat in return. To say what something is in exchange for, add for: free space in return for help. The exchange doesn't have to be money: I wasn't expecting anything in return.
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in return / in return for + noun or -ing
- She watered my plants, and I fed her cat in return.
- The studio offered free space in return for help with the exhibition.
- I wasn't expecting anything in return for the favour.
What changed
First versionThey offered free space in return of helping with the exhibition.
RevisionThey offered free space in return for helping with the exhibition.
Phrases like instead of and in place of make of feel natural after return. But the thing you're paying back is introduced with for: in return for helping. The preposition changed, and the deal is clear.
In turn means one after another, or as a result: each student spoke in turn. There's no exchange there. In return always means in exchange: I helped him, and he helped me in return.
Your turn
The café provides lunch in return ___ two hours of help.
Show the answer
for — What the lunch is given for is introduced with for: in return for two hours of help. In return of isn't used.
Describe an exchange of favours between neighbours or colleagues. Use in return for.
I offered to repair the shelf in return for help carrying the boxes upstairs.
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