a sharp reversal in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp reversal in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant change in a situation, trend, or condition. Example: "The report indicated a sharp reversal in the company's profits, leading to concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Nevertheless, this poll shows a sharp reversal in government fortunes.

The Guardian

Mr. Reid's admission was a sharp reversal in his position.

The New York Times

The recent events represented a sharp reversal in Iceland's fortunes.

The New York Times

A major challenge has been a sharp reversal in video game sales.

The New York Times

The possibility signals a sharp reversal in the thinking of Rupert Murdoch about his $53 billion media conglomerate.

The New York Times

When combining these measurements with the AGAGE 12-box model, it reveals a sharp reversal in their global emissions as well.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

His remarks came after the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, in a sharp reversal, said in a speech on Sunday that he had instructed his ambassador in Geneva to try to muster an extraordinary session of the United Nations Human Rights Council for a vote endorsing the report.

The New York Times

In a sharp reversal, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said yesterday that they no longer opposed the public release of a report on how the F.B.I. obtained a confession from an innocent Egyptian student who was detained last year in connection with the World Trade Center attack.

The New York Times

The re-jiggering of Dr. Dean's advertising strategy comes in response to a sharp reversal of fortunes in the Democratic campaign after Senator John Kerry's victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday and Dr. Dean's surprising third-place finish.

The New York Times

This year, local politicians say, voters are showing up in droves at early polling sites in Republican areas, as Tea Party protests have caught fire, in a sharp reversal of the Democratic wave in 2008.

The New York Times

NEW YORK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The S&P 500 suffered its worst decline since Nov. 7 on Monday in a sharp reversal from initial gains as elections in Italy stoked concerns that a divided parliament could disrupt the country's fiscal reforms and the euro zone's stability.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp reversal in" when you want to emphasize a sudden and significant change, particularly when the previous trend was expected to continue. For example, "There was a sharp reversal in the company's fortunes after the new CEO took over."

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp reversal in" for minor fluctuations or slight adjustments. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the change is both significant and unexpected. A simple adjustment would be better described as "a small modification", not "a sharp reversal in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp reversal in" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes a significant and unexpected change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp reversal in" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and unexpected change. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the change you are describing is indeed sudden and significant, and avoid using it for minor fluctuations. Alternative phrases like "a sudden shift in" or "a dramatic turnabout" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. The phrase functions primarily to highlight an unexpected shift, often with implications of surprise or disruption. Top sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Economist and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shift in

Emphasizes the abruptness of the change.

a marked change in

Highlights the notability and obviousness of the change.

a significant alteration in

Indicates a considerable modification or transformation.

a dramatic turnabout in

Suggests a complete change of direction, often unexpected.

a complete turnaround in

Implies a total and often positive change from a previous state.

a radical transformation in

Denotes a fundamental and far-reaching change.

a noticeable upturn in

Specifically refers to an increase or improvement that is easily observed.

a distinct decline in

Focuses on a decrease or worsening of a condition.

a fundamental reshaping of

Describes a deep and impactful alteration, implying a new form or structure.

a sea change in

Evokes a broad, significant, and transformative change.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp reversal in" in a sentence?

Use "a sharp reversal in" to describe a sudden and significant change. For example, "The country experienced "a sharp reversal in" economic growth after the policy change".

What's a less formal way to say "a sharp reversal in"?

For a less formal tone, consider using phrases like "a sudden turnaround" or "a major shift" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a sharp reversal in" and "a gradual change in"?

"A sharp reversal in" indicates an abrupt and significant change, whereas "a gradual change in" suggests a slow, incremental transformation.

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp reversal in"?

It's appropriate when describing a sudden and unexpected change in a trend, policy, or situation. It emphasizes the surprise and magnitude of the shift.