When we use user defined functions in SQL to return a table, why don't we use begin and end?
<p>When we use user defined functions in SQL  to return a table, why don't we use <code>BEGIN</code>and <code>END</code>?</p>

<p>e.g. </p>

<pre><code>CREATE FUNCTION Customers
(@minId int)
RETURNS TABLE 
AS
RETURN(SELECT *
    FROM   TrackingItem ti
    WHERE  ti.Id &gt;= @minId)
</code></pre>

<p>works </p>

<p>but</p>

<pre><code>CREATE FUNCTION Customers
(@minId int)
RETURNS TABLE 
AS
BEGIN
   RETURN(SELECT *
   FROM   TrackingItem ti
   WHERE  ti.Id &gt;= @minId)
END
</code></pre>

<p>doesn't work</p>