a sharp reversal of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp reversal of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant change in direction, opinion, or situation. Example: "The company experienced a sharp reversal of its fortunes after the new product launch failed to meet expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This demographic demand was a sharp reversal of existing policy.

The Guardian - Books

That is a sharp reversal of a trend.

The Economist

Moreover, the decreasing gaps represent a sharp reversal of a widening divergence observed in prior decades.

Stanford University

Mr. Fleischer's remarks were a sharp reversal of Mr. Bush's tone on Chechnya.

The New York Times

But the Louisiana decision could represent a sharp reversal of the company's fortunes.

The New York Times

But even this modest improvement represents a sharp reversal of the trend over the preceding decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In a sharp reversal, several of Las Vegas's most powerful casinos no longer want to ban Internet gambling, and some are starting Web sites and exploring technology that could eventually offer wagering in homes, offices or anywhere there is a computer wired into cyberspace.

The New York Times

[Page C4.] Casinos Experiment With the Web In a sharp reversal, several of Las Vegas's most powerful casinos no longer want to ban Internet gambling, and some are starting Web sites and exploring technology that could eventually offer wagering anywhere there is a computer wired into cyberspace.

The New York Times

It shows a sharp reversal around 1984 of the percentage of women pursuing Computer Science degrees.

Huffington Post

People are drinking more, and cheaper, wine; industry people call it "trading down," a sharp reversal after decades of aspirational consumption.

The New Yorker

The ruling brought a sharp reversal in the feelings of opponents of General Pinochet, who have been cheered by a series of unexpected turns in their favor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp reversal of" to emphasize a noticeable and often unexpected change in direction, policy, or trend. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting a contrast with previous conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp reversal of" to describe minor adjustments or gradual changes. This phrase is most impactful when used to denote a substantial and immediate shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp reversal of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a sudden and significant change in something, such as policy, fortune, or trend. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp reversal of" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a sudden and significant change. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, academic, and business contexts. To ensure proper usage, employ this phrase when describing substantial and immediate shifts, and avoid using it for minor adjustments. Alternatives include "a sudden turnaround" and "a dramatic shift". This phrase is a valuable tool for highlighting notable changes in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden turnaround

Emphasizes the abruptness and completeness of the change.

a dramatic shift

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the change.

a complete about-face

Indicates a 180-degree change in direction or policy.

a stark turnaround

Stresses the distinct and contrasting nature of the change.

a radical shift

Suggests a fundamental and far-reaching change.

a marked change

Indicates a noticeable and significant alteration.

a sudden swing

Implies a rapid and forceful change in a particular direction.

an abrupt change

Focuses on the unexpected and immediate nature of the shift.

a volte-face

A more formal and less common term for a complete reversal.

a U-turn

Suggests a complete change of direction, often in policy or strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp reversal of" to describe a significant change in direction, policy, or trend. For example, "The company's profits experienced a sharp reversal of fortune after the new CEO implemented cost-cutting measures."

What are some alternatives to using "a sharp reversal of"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden turnaround", "a dramatic shift", or "a complete about-face" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sharp reversal of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sharp reversal of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, academic papers, and business reports, where highlighting significant changes is important.

What's the difference between "a sharp reversal of" and "a gradual shift"?

"A sharp reversal of" implies an abrupt and significant change, while "a gradual shift" suggests a slow, progressive change over time. They describe contrasting types of transitions.