be overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision, ruling, or situation is reversed or invalidated. Example: "The court's decision may be overturned on appeal if new evidence is presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must be overturned.

The New York Times - Magazine

This could be overturned.

The Telegraph

It should be overturned".

The New York Times

Anyway, conventional wisdom can be overturned.

The Economist

These exemptions must be overturned.

The New York Times

Could Citizens United be overturned?

The New Yorker

Will their world be overturned?

The Guardian - Opinion

"People's moods can be overturned very quickly".

The New York Times

That's one opinion unlikely to be overturned.

The New Yorker

I can't believe this might be overturned.

The New York Times

Will the health-care law be overturned?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be overturned" when you want to emphasize the potential or actual reversal of a decision, law, or system, especially when there's a sense of challenge or conflict involved.

Common error

Avoid using "be overturned" in contexts where a simple change or adjustment is intended. "Overturn" implies a complete reversal or invalidation, not a minor modification.

Linguistic Context

"Be overturned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is undergoing the action of being reversed or nullified. Ludwig shows this phrase is frequently used in legal and political contexts, signaling a change in a previous decision or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be overturned" is a verb phrase used to describe the reversal or invalidation of a previous decision, law, or system. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media, indicating its professional yet accessible tone. Related phrases include ""be reversed"", ""be rescinded"", and ""be nullified"", each offering nuanced differences. When using "be overturned", ensure it aligns with the context of a complete reversal rather than a simple modification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reversed

Focuses on the action of changing something to its opposite.

be invalidated

Highlights the act of making something no longer legally or officially acceptable.

be annulled

Emphasizes the declaration that something is void or non-existent.

be rescinded

Highlights the official cancellation of a law, order, or agreement.

be repealed

Specifically refers to the act of revoking or abolishing a law or regulation.

be nullified

Stresses the act of making something without legal force or effect.

be overruled

Focuses on rejecting or disallowing something by exercising higher authority.

be overturned on appeal

Specifically refers to a decision being reversed by a higher court.

be set aside

Implies that a previous decision is cancelled or put aside for reconsideration.

be quashed

Emphasizes the act of suppressing or rejecting something completely.

FAQs

What does it mean for a decision to "be overturned"?

When a decision is "be overturned", it means that a previous ruling or judgment has been reversed or invalidated, often by a higher authority or court. Alternatives include "be reversed" or "be rescinded".

How to use "be overturned" in a sentence?

You can use "be overturned" to describe a situation where a prior decision is reversed. For example: "The court's decision may "be overturned" on appeal." or "The law could "be overturned" if enough people protest.

What can I say instead of "be overturned"?

You can use alternatives like "be reversed", "be nullified", or "be repealed" depending on the context. Each of these alternatives offers a slightly different nuance regarding the cancellation or reversal of a previous decision.

When is it appropriate to use "be overturned" versus "be reversed"?

"Be overturned" often implies a challenge or conflict leading to the reversal, while "be reversed" is a more general term for changing something to its opposite. You might say a law will "be overturned" due to public pressure, but a simple calculation might "be reversed" to correct an error.