SyntaxError: ‘return’ outside function

SyntaxError: ‘return’ outside function – Step-by-Step Explanation

Introduction

The error “SyntaxError: ‘return’ outside function” occurs when the return statement is used outside of a function. Since return is meant to send a value back from a function, Python raises this error when it finds return in an invalid place.

This guide will explain the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

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1. Understanding the Error

The return statement is used to return a value from a function to its caller. It must be inside a function.

Example of the Error

return 5  # ❌ Python does not know what to return from

🔴 Error Message:

SyntaxError: 'return' outside function

✅ Corrected Code:

def my_function():
    return 5  # ✅ Return is inside a function

print(my_function())

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2. Common Causes and Solutions

2.1. Using return Outside a Function

The return statement must be inside a function, otherwise Python does not know what to return from.

❌ Incorrect Code:

return "Hello, World!"  # ❌ Return is outside a function

✅ Solution:

def greet():
    return "Hello, World!"  # ✅ Return is inside a function

print(greet())

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2.2. Indentation Issues (Incorrect Function Block)

Python uses indentation to define code blocks. If return is not indented correctly, Python thinks it is outside the function.

❌ Incorrect Code:

def add(a, b):
return a + b  # ❌ Incorrect indentation

✅ Solution:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b  # ✅ Indented correctly

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2.3. Using return Inside a Loop but Outside a Function

If you use return inside a loop without a function, Python will raise this error.

❌ Incorrect Code:

for i in range(5):
    return i  # ❌ Return is inside a loop but outside any function

✅ Solution:

def get_first_number():
    for i in range(5):
        return i  # ✅ Return is inside a function

print(get_first_number())

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2.4. Using return in Global Scope Instead of a Function

You cannot use return in the global scope (outside functions).

❌ Incorrect Code:

x = 10
if x > 5:
    return x  # ❌ Return outside a function

✅ Solution:

def check_value():
    x = 10
    if x > 5:
        return x  # ✅ Return inside a function

print(check_value())

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2.5. Using return in a Class but Not in a Method

In object-oriented programming, return must be inside a method (function inside a class).

❌ Incorrect Code:

class Person:
    return "I am a person"  # ❌ Return is directly inside a class

✅ Solution:

class Person:
    def get_info(self):
        return "I am a person"  # ✅ Return is inside a method

p = Person()
print(p.get_info())

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2.6. Using return Inside a Lambda Expression

Lambda functions are anonymous functions that must be a single expression. They cannot use return.

❌ Incorrect Code:

my_lambda = lambda x: return x * 2  # ❌ Lambda cannot have return

✅ Solution:

my_lambda = lambda x: x * 2  # ✅ Return is implicit
print(my_lambda(5))

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3. How to Fix the Error Step by Step

1. Ensure return is inside a function.
2. Check indentation to make sure return belongs to the function.
3. Do not use return at the global scope (outside any function).
4. If using a class, put return inside a method.
5. For loops, wrap the loop inside a function before using return.
6. Avoid return in lambda functions—use implicit returns.

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4. Using an IDE to Avoid Errors

A good IDE (Integrated Development Environment) helps prevent syntax errors.

• VS Code – Highlights misplaced return statements.
• PyCharm – Detects indentation errors and misplaced return statements.
• Jupyter Notebook – Shows clear error messages with line numbers.