could only be reversed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could only be reversed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or condition that can be undone or changed back to a previous state, often implying that there is a limitation to the reversal. Example: "The effects of the decision were so significant that they could only be reversed with great difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This instrumentalisation of humanity could only be reversed, Marcuse maintained, by challenging the social processes which had led the governing value system to change from pleasure, joy, play and receptiveness to delayed satisfaction, the restraint of pleasure, work, productiveness and security.

The Guardian - Opinion

With all that going on, it's maybe not surprising that plenty of commentators were looking out for a "New Coke" moment, an opportunity to brand Windows 8 as a fiasco that could only be reversed by a change of strategy.

BBC

He confirmed that when the CPS carried out a review of the case in 1998, it was decided no proceedings would be brought against the MP because he had been told in 1970 that he would not be charged, a decision that could only be reversed if new evidence was unearthed.

BBC

The rule could only be reversed if Congress passed a law blocking it before November 1, and President Barack Obama then declined to veto that law.

Vice

This approach sounds intuitive, but may not apply in cases where population decline is caused by behavioral or demographic mechanisms that could only be reversed by translocation itself.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Much of Obama's immigration plan, which is already under review by the supreme court, could not only be reversed on day one by Trump, but driven hard in the opposite direction.

The Guardian

These mutations so far could only be differentiated by using reverse hybridization line probe assay [32].

Plosone

Furthermore, given the degeneracy of the genetic code, reverse translation could only be a stochastic process and would entail major loss of information (but also potential generation of new information).

Biology Direct

Reversing could only be achieved with the help of someone outside shouting and waving.

The Guardian - Travel

"It could only be Morris".

Independent

People are being increasingly careless about how they set off fireworks, but that could be reversed if only women were to set them off, he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "could only be reversed" to emphasize the limited means by which a decision, action, or process can be undone. This can add weight to your statement, suggesting significant consequences or difficulty in altering the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "could only be reversed" when a simpler phrasing like "could be changed" or "could be undone" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could only be reversed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and limitation. It indicates that a certain action or state can be undone, but only under specific conditions or through particular means. Ludwig's examples show this limitation in action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could only be reversed" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the limited possibility of undoing a specific action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds its use primarily in news, media and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral communication. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as ""could solely be undone"" or ""could just be reverted"", the original phrasing carries a particular emphasis on the constraints surrounding the reversal. When employing this phrase, consider whether its specific nuance—highlighting the limited means of reversal—is truly necessary, as overuse may lead to unnecessary complexity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could solely be undone

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the possibility of being undone.

could just be reverted

Suggests a simple return to a previous state, minimizing complexity.

could be undone exclusively

Highlights the singular nature of how something can be undone.

was irreversible except by

Focuses on the condition that permits the reversal of something initially thought to be permanent.

could be rectified solely through

Introduces the notion of correction or remedy as the only means of reversal.

could uniquely be turned back

Emphasizes the unique method needed to revert to a prior state.

could uniquely be abrogated

Focuses on the cancellation or repeal of something, but only through a single method.

the sole way to amend it was

Highlights that there exists only one way to fix a problem.

the only recourse was to reverse

Highlights that the only available option was to perform the opposite action.

the unique solution was a reversal

Emphasizes that there was only one solution, and that was a reversal

FAQs

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

You can use "could only be reversed" to describe situations where a process or decision is difficult to undo. For example, "The damage to the ecosystem was so extensive that it "could only be reversed" with significant intervention".

What are some alternatives to "could only be reversed"?

Alternatives include "could solely be undone", "could just be reverted", or "could be undone exclusively" depending on the desired emphasis.

Is "could only be reversed" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "could only be reversed" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "hard to undo" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "could be reversed" and "could only be reversed"?

"Could be reversed" suggests a possibility of undoing something, whereas ""could only be reversed"" implies a specific and limited method or condition is required for the reversal to occur.