be able to revert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “be able to revert” is correct and is used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be reversed, returned, or undone. For example, “Once the new legislation is passed, it will be difficult to be able to revert.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

For all of her stubborn rants, Ms. Varis invariably seems to to be able to revert to the chuckling great aunt with the soft heart.

The New York Times

Hamilton added that from Singapore onwards, Mercedes will be able to revert to the high downforce configuration with which he was so successful in Hungary where he beat Vettel fair and square.

Independent

Although users will be able to revert to the familiar Start-based interface, Microsoft is aiming at the new system as its way of combating the threat from tablets made by Apple and other companies incorporating Google's Android system, as well as RIM's PlayBook and HP's forthcoming WebOS tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

But when we do, users will always be able to revert back to the classic ribbon with one click".

TechCrunch

Even when China surpasses the U.S. in total GDP, it won't be able to revert to the dominance that Han China enjoyed.

Forbes

You won't, however, be able to revert back to your old profile format, but you will be able to get any data that you think is missing.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Collins was able to revert to more conventional relievers for the final two innings.

The New York Times - Sports

Consequently, the house cat is able to revert to complete self-reliance more quickly and more successfully than most domesticated dogs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the 1965 66 season the league was able to revert to a two-division structure when it rebranded its existing single division the Premier Division and added a new Division One.

Wikipedia

First it was tested if increasing amounts of PCAF were able to revert the protection induced by p300, as shown in Fig 2C, PCAF does not revert the effect of p300.

Plosone

In fra3/fra4 mutants expressing BcrAbl, both FraΔP1 and FraΔP2 were able to revert the commissure loss seen in this mutant and in fact restore the fuzzy commissure defects similar to that observed with Frawt [Figure 1L].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to revert", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reverted to and the conditions under which the reversion can occur. For example, "Users will be able to revert to the previous software version if they encounter issues with the update."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses or modals with "be able to revert". For instance, instead of saying "They could be able to revert", use "They will be able to revert" or "They could revert", as using both 'could' and 'be able to' is often redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to revert" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the potential or capacity to return to a prior state. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in various contexts, from software updates to scientific experiments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to revert" is a versatile modal verb phrase that signifies the possibility or capability of returning to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from science and technology to news and general discourse. As illustrated by examples sourced by Ludwig, this phrase often conveys reassurance, flexibility, or a safety net in situations involving change or uncertainty. While alternatives exist, "be able to revert" offers a clear and direct way to express the option of reversing an action or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of reversing

Emphasizes the capacity to undo or reverse a change.

be in a position to restore

Highlights being in a situation where restoration is feasible.

have the ability to return

Focuses on possessing the capability to return, rather than the possibility of reverting.

find it possible to go back

Suggests that going back is feasible or achievable.

have the power to undo

Stresses the authority or power to reverse a situation.

retain the option to go back

Highlights the preservation of choice to return to a prior state.

be entitled to reverse

Implies a right or entitlement to undo something.

maintain the potential to undo

Focuses on keeping the possibility of undoing something.

manage to switch back

Emphasizes the ability to successfully change back to a previous configuration

have a recourse to return

Indicates that a means of returning is available.

FAQs

How can I use "be able to revert" in a sentence?

Use "be able to revert" to describe the possibility of returning to a previous state or condition. For example: "If the experiment fails, we will "be able to revert" to the original plan."

What are some alternatives to "be able to revert"?

Alternatives include "be capable of reversing", "have the ability to return", or "retain the option to go back" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be able to revert back"?

While understandable, "be able to revert back" can be redundant, as "revert" already implies going back. It's generally clearer to simply say "be able to revert".

What's the difference between "be able to revert" and "be able to restore"?

"Be able to revert" implies returning to a previous state, while "be able to restore" suggests returning something to its original or functional condition. You might "be able to revert" to a previous version of a document, but "be able to restore" a damaged file.