Python SyntaxError: ‘return’ outside function Solution

The return keyword in Python is used to end the execution flow of the function and send the result value to the main program. The return statement must be defined inside the function when the function is supposed to end. But if we define a return statement outside the function block, we get the SyntaxError: 'return' outside function Error.

In this Python guide, we will explore this Python error and discuss how to solve it. We will also see an example scenario where many Python learners commit this mistake, so you could better understand this error and how to debug it. So let's get started with the Error Statement.

Python Error: SyntaxError: 'return' outside function

The Error Statement SyntaxError: 'return' outside function is divided into two parts. The first part is the Python Exception SyntaxError , and the second part is the actual Error message 'return' outside function .

1. SyntaxError : SyntaxError occurs in Python when we write a Python code with invalid syntax. This Error is generally raised when we make some typos while writing the Python program.
2. 'return' outside function : This is the Error Message, which tells us that we are using the return keyword outside the function body.

Error Reason

The  Python return is a reserved keyword used inside the function body when a function is supposed to return a value. The return value can be accessed in the main program when we call the function. The return keyword is exclusive to Python functions and can only be used inside the function's local scope. But if we made a typo by defining a return statement outside the function block, we will encounter the "SyntaxError: 'return' outside function" Error.

For example

Let's try to define a return statement outside the function body, and see what we get as an output.

# define a function
def add(a,b):
    result = a+b

# using return out of the function block(error)
return result

a= 20
b= 30
result = add(a,b) 
print(f"{a}+{b} = {result}")

Output

 File "main.py", line 6
return result
^
SyntaxError: 'return' outside function

Break the code

We are getting the "SyntaxError: 'return' outside function" Error as an output. This is because, in line 6, we are using the return result statement outside the function, which is totally invalid in Python. In Python, we are supposed to use the return statement inside the function, and if we use it outside the function body, we get the SyntaxError, as we are encountering in the above example. To solve the above program, we need to put the return statement inside the function block.

solution

# define a function
def add(a,b):
    result = a+b
    # using return inside the function block
    return result

a= 20
b= 30

result = add(a,b)
print(f"{a}+{b} = {result}")

Common Scenario

The most common scenario where many Python learners encounter this error is when they forget to put the indentation space for the return statement and write it outside the function. To write the function body code, we use indentation and ensure that all the function body code is intended. The return statement is also a part of the function body, and it also needs to be indented inside the function block.

In most cases, the return statement is also the last line for the function, and the coder commits the mistake and writes it in a new line without any indentation and encounters the SyntaxError.

For example

Let's write a Python function is_adult() that accept the age value as a parameter and return a boolean value True if the age value is equal to or greater than 18 else, it returns False. And we will write the return Statements outside the function block to encounter the error.

# define the age
age = 22

def is_adult(age):
    if age >= 18:
        result = True
    else:
        result = False
return result  #outside the function

result = is_adult(age)

print(result)

Output

 File "main.py", line 9
return result #outside the function
^
SyntaxError: 'return' outside function

Break The code

The error output reason for the above code is pretty obvious. If we look at the output error statement, we can clearly tell that the return result statement is causing the error because it is defined outside the is_adult() function.

Solution

To solve the above problem, all we need to do is put the return statement inside the is_adult() function block using the indentation.

Example Solution

# define the age
age = 22

def is_adult(age):
    if age >= 18:
        result = True
    else:
        result = False
    return result  #inside the function

result = is_adult(age)

print(result)

Output

True

Final Thoughts!

The Python 'return' outside function is a common Python SyntaxError. It is very easy to find and debug this error. In this Python tutorial, we discussed why this error occurs in Python and how to solve it. We also discussed a common scenario when many python learners commit this error.

You can commit many typos in Python to encounter the SyntaxError, and the 'return' outside the Function message will only occur when you define a return statement outside the function body. If you are still getting this error in your Python program, please share your code in the comment section. We will try to help you in debugging.

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