can be overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be overturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a decision, ruling, or situation can be reversed or annulled. Example: "The court's decision can be overturned if new evidence is presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyway, conventional wisdom can be overturned.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

What seems most certain can be overturned.

The Guardian - Books

And though it's not easy, ideas can be overturned.

The New Yorker

"Supreme Court cases can be overturned, right?" he asked.

The New York Times

The assumptions of the audience can be overturned.

The Guardian

Ashraf Ibrahim's verdict can be overturned only by the president.

The New York Times

There's only one way it can be overturned.

The Washington Post

Slogans change; priorities shift; established orthodoxy can be overturned in an instant.

The Economist

Its rules, like those of any agency, can be overturned by Congress or federal courts.

The New York Times

But your credibility as an expert can be overturned on a dime.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be overturned" in legal or formal writing, ensure that you clearly state the conditions or reasons under which the overturning can occur. This adds precision and clarity to your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be overturned" in casual or informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be changed" or "can be reversed" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be overturned" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the possibility of reversing or invalidating a previous action, decision, or state. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be overturned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that suggests the possibility of reversal or invalidation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express the potential for a decision, rule, or state to be reversed, particularly in legal, political, and organizational contexts. While generally neutral in register, it tends toward formality and is best suited for professional and academic discourse. Alternatives such as "can be reversed" or "can be nullified" offer similar meanings, but it is essential to consider the context to ensure the most appropriate choice. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to convey the conditions under which such an overturning may occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reversed

Focuses on the action of reversing a decision or outcome.

can be nullified

Emphasizes the act of making something legally void.

can be invalidated

Highlights the act of proving something to be without legal force.

can be rescinded

Implies an official cancellation of a law, order, or agreement.

can be repealed

Specifically refers to the act of revoking or annulling a law.

can be revoked

Focuses on the cancellation of a decree, license, or privilege.

can be set aside

Implies that a decision or judgment is vacated or annulled.

can be quashed

Indicates the suppression or annulment of something, often a legal proceeding.

can be undone

Suggests that the effects of an action can be reversed.

can be overruled

Typically used in a legal context, implying a higher authority rejects a lower one's decision.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be overturned" is typically used to indicate that a decision, rule, or law has the potential to be reversed or nullified. For example, "The Supreme Court's decision "can be overturned" if new evidence comes to light."

What are some alternatives to "can be overturned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "can be reversed", "can be nullified", or "can be invalidated" to express a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "can be overturned"?

This phrase is most appropriate in formal or legal contexts where there is a discussion of the potential for a decision or ruling to be reversed, challenged, or invalidated. For instance, when discussing court rulings or policy changes.

What is the difference between "can be overturned" and "can be changed"?

"Can be changed" is a more general term that suggests something can be altered or modified. "Can be overturned" implies a more specific scenario where a decision or ruling is completely reversed or invalidated, often by a higher authority or new evidence.