Vice versa

USAGE SUMMARY

"vice versa" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something works in the opposite way as was previously stated. For example, "I usually take the bus to work, but on Saturdays I take the train. Vice versa on Sundays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Vice versa," I responded.

The New York Times

Vice versa for points below the line.

The New York Times

"Vice versa, life is death".

The Guardian

Vice versa for (alpha '<beta '<beta

Business Research

Vice versa, the Kow values are low.

Environmental Sciences Europe

"Vice Versa" (Comedy).

Huffington Post

Vice versa overexpressed PKD2 induced differentiation.

Plosone

Vice versa, atrial fibrillation promotes myocardial ischemia.

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy

How about vice versa?

The New Yorker

Then vice versa.

Independent

Or possibly vice versa.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider using a more explicit phrase like "conversely" or "the reverse is also true" instead of "vice versa" for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "vice versa" when the relationship isn't truly reciprocal. Ensure that reversing the elements maintains the same logical connection. For example, "I like cats, and vice versa" is only appropriate if the cats also like you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vice versa" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a preceding clause by indicating that the relationship or action described is reciprocal or works in reverse. Ludwig highlights its utility in expressing mutual or inverse relationships efficiently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vice versa" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate reciprocity or reversal of a previously stated relationship or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability in written English. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it a valuable tool for concise and clear communication. While "vice versa" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "conversely" or "the reverse is also true" in specific contexts to avoid any ambiguity. Remember that the relationship must be truly reciprocal for the use of "vice versa" to be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conversely

This single word succinctly captures the idea of reversing the order or relationship of what was previously stated.

the reverse is also true

This emphasizes that if one thing is true, then the opposite is also true.

the other way around

This phrase is a more common and slightly more informal way to express the same concept of reversal.

and the opposite is also the case

This phrase provides a more formal and explicit way of stating the reversal.

in reverse

This indicates that the order or process is happening in the opposite direction.

the inverse applies

This suggests that the opposite relationship or effect is also valid.

mutatis mutandis

This Latin phrase implies that necessary changes have been made while reversing the situation.

reciprocally

This emphasizes a mutual or corresponding action or relationship in reverse.

each to the other

This indicates a mutual action or relationship in both directions.

back and forth

This suggests an alternating action or relationship between two entities.

FAQs

How do you use "vice versa" in a sentence?

Use "vice versa" to indicate that the reverse of a previously stated situation is also true. For example, "The students learn from the teacher, and "vice versa"" implies the teacher also learns from the students.

What's a more formal alternative to "vice versa"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "conversely", "the reverse is also true", or "mutatis mutandis" instead of "vice versa" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "vice versa"?

No, "vice versa" is only appropriate when the relationship or action is truly reciprocal. Ensure that reversing the elements doesn't change the meaning or logical connection. If there is a logical fallacy, you should avoid "vice versa".

What does "vice versa" actually mean?

"Vice versa" means that the two things or people mentioned are reversed, but the statement still holds true. It's used to avoid repeating the same information in reverse order. Use "the other way around" if that is the case.