Return () is a familiar function for those who learn Python. Today’s article we will make a fairly common error when using this function. It is “Syntaxerror: ‘Return’ Outside Function” in Python. If you are facing a complicated assignment and confused on how to do it, this article helps you to solve these problems. We are confident that with this information, you will be able to make the best method of your own and get the relevant information about this topic. Let’s check!

What is the Return() function?

The return statement is used to end the execution of the function call and return the results (the value of the expression follows the return keyword) for the function call. When the program runs and executes to the return command line, the following statements will not be executed.

Syntax:

def somefunction():

   -- some operations here --

   return value

For example:

def add(c, d):

    result = c * d

    return result 

print(add(3, 2))

output

6

For example, use the return statement to return the results of the calculation A – B in the add (c, d) – with c, d are the two input arguments of the multiplication. 

One requirement when declaring the Return function you need to remember so that the function can run is that you have to indent when declaring it.   

Why does the error “Syntaxerror: ‘Return’ Outside Function” occur?

To help you imagine this error easily when encountering it, here is an example when the error occurs:

def add(c, d):

  total = c + d

return(Total)

print(" The total is: ", add(10, 20))

 Output:

File "<ipython-input-1-8da1e430822d>", line 3

    return(total)

    ^

SyntaxError: 'return' outside function 

You can see when looking at the 3rd command line, the return command has not been exactly indented. As the syntax of the Return function we have provided above, the largest reason for students or those who use this function to make the mistake is the wrong or not indentation when declaring the syntax.

How to fix it?

If you make a mistake due to this reason, here is how to handle it:

def add(c, d):

  total = c + d

  return(Total)

print(" The total is: ", add(10, 20))

 Output:

30

Thus, in order for the program to run well, when declaring the Return function you need to pay attention to adjust the indent for the function. 

Conclusion

In summary, we have helped you better understand the return function as well as its syntax and when encountering the above error, how will handle it. We hope you enjoyed our article about fixing the question “Syntaxerror: ‘Return’ Outside Function” when you are using Python. We trust that our method will assist you in completing your assignment quickly. If you are still having any problems with your subjects, please feel free to leave us a comment. Thank you for reading!