a reversion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reversion to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a return to a previous state, condition, or practice. Example: "The company experienced a reversion to its old policies after the new management took over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But then came a reversion to form, and Iraq.

The New Yorker

This is undoubtedly a reversion to "primitive" behaviour.

The Guardian

He called for a reversion to the original April timetable.

The Economist

Interestingly, the new sport, showing a reversion to all-green, isn't the result of another mutation.

The New York Times

It would be a reversion to the previous idea of what a vice president is".

The New York Times

That goes against the tendency in recent years, as does a reversion to longer mountain stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Sigmund Spaeth has described rock 'n' roll as "a reversion to savagery".

The New Yorker

For political parties and candidates, it has been a reversion to old-style forms of politics.

The New York Times

We are just whacking targets — it's a reversion to the Stone Age.

The New Yorker

The late failure made it all seem like a reversion to type.

The Guardian - Sport

For Bustinduy, the alliance is just a strategic grouping, not a reversion to old leftwing ways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. "A reversion to" can sometimes imply a negative return, especially if the original state was undesirable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "a reversion to" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "going back to" or "returning to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reversion to" functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It typically follows verbs like is, marks, or saw, indicating a return to a previous state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reversion to" effectively communicates a return to a previous state or condition. Ludwig AI analysis and the gathered examples show it is grammatically sound and "correct". It's commonly found in News & Media and Science, and less common in other categories. When writing, it's useful to consider its slight formality and potential negative connotation. If informality is what you aim for you can try alternative phrases like ""a return to"" or ""going back to"". The phrase should be used when precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a return to

Replaces "reversion" with the more common synonym "return".

a relapse into

Conveys a negative connotation, implying a return to an undesirable state.

a throwback to

Suggests a return to something from the past, often with a nostalgic or stylistic element.

a recurrence of

Focuses on the repeated nature of the return.

a going back to

Uses a more literal and less formal phrasing.

a retreat to

Implies a withdrawal to a previous state, often for safety or comfort.

a harking back to

Emphasizes a nostalgic or longing return.

a turning back to

Highlights the act of consciously returning.

a swing back to

Suggests a cyclical return, like a pendulum swinging.

a resurgence of

Indicates a revival or renewed increase in something that had declined.

FAQs

How can I use "a reversion to" in a sentence?

You can use "a reversion to" to indicate a return to a previous state or condition. For example, "The company experienced "a reversion to" its old policies after the new management took over."

What's a good alternative for "a reversion to" in simpler terms?

For simpler alternatives, you could use phrases like "a return to", "going back to", or "returning to", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a reversion to" instead of "a return to"?

"A reversion to" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize a return after a period of change or deviation. "A return to" is generally more neutral and can be used in a wider range of contexts.

Is "a reversion to" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes imply a negative return, it depends on the context. For example, "A reversion to simplicity" can be positive, whereas ""a reversion to" bad habits" is clearly negative.