be reversed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be reversed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of changing the order or direction of something. Example: "The effects of the treatment may be reversed if the patient stops taking the medication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It can be reversed.

The Economist

Inequality can be reversed".

The Guardian - Business

— could be reversed.

The New Yorker

It must be reversed.

The New York Times

Trends can be reversed, however.

The New York Times - Sports

Related: Can stunting be reversed?

The Guardian

These trends can't be reversed.

The New York Times

How can it be reversed?

The Guardian - Opinion

This needs to be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

These trends must be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Basic fairness demands that guidance be reversed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be reversed", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or situation is being undone or changed to its opposite. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "be reversed" implies a complete return to the original state. Sometimes, a reversal only corrects a specific aspect while other changes remain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reversed" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action or decision is undergoing a change to its opposite. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used in contexts where a prior action or state is being undone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be reversed" is a versatile passive construction used to express the act of something being undone or changed to its opposite. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. While alternatives like "be overturned" and "be rescinded" offer similar meanings, "be reversed" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overturned

This alternative suggests a more forceful and decisive invalidation, often in a legal or formal context.

be revoked

Specifically implies the cancellation or annulment of a decree, permission, or law.

be undone

Suggests that something can be brought back to a state as if it never happened.

be repealed

Implies the formal act of canceling or abolishing a law or act of parliament.

be invalidated

Indicates that something is made void or without legal force.

be nullified

Similar to invalidated, but may also suggest a practical negation of effect.

be rescinded

Implies the cancellation of an agreement or order.

be retracted

Suggests withdrawing a statement or claim.

be amended

Indicates making modifications, particularly to laws or documents.

be changed back

A simpler, more informal way of expressing the same idea of returning to a previous state.

FAQs

How can I use "be reversed" in a sentence?

The phrase "be reversed" is used in the passive voice to indicate that an action or process is undone or changed to its opposite. For example, "The decision can "be reversed" if new evidence emerges."

What are some alternatives to saying "be reversed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be overturned", "be rescinded", or "be undone", depending on the context. These alternatives provide nuanced ways to express the concept of something being changed back or invalidated.

Is it correct to say "become reversed" instead of "be reversed"?

While "become reversed" is grammatically correct, "be reversed" is more common and typically preferred in formal writing. "Become reversed" might imply a gradual process, whereas "be reversed" suggests a more decisive action.

What's the difference between "be reversed" and "be reverted"?

"Be reversed" generally means to change something to its opposite or undo it completely. "Be reverted", on the other hand, often means to return something to a previous state or version. The choice depends on whether you are undoing an action or simply returning to an earlier condition.