go in reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

"go in reverse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a vehicle or person moving backward, or when discussing a situation where something is moving in the opposite direction from the norm or what is expected. For example: "The driver had to go in reverse to get out of the tight parking space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

First, subways do not go in reverse.

The New York Times

No one wants to go in reverse at this level".

The New York Times - Sports

British Skeleton (@BritishSkeleton) The athletes will once again go in reverse order.

The Guardian - Sport

She owned a little yellow Civic that couldn't go in reverse.

The Washington Post

"We had to parallel park, go in reverse, and make sure we don't hit anything," she said.

The New York Times

"The process doesn't seem to go in reverse, or else we don't have access to the means to reverse it," Graybiel said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

How far the European Union can or will seek to go in reversing Russia's alleged bad behavior is a moot point.

The New York Times

Occasionally, they went in reverse.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes the process goes in reverse.

The New York Times - Science

But my tale goes in reverse.

The New York Times

"My musical journey went in reverse," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go in reverse" to describe a process or trend, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reversed or undone. For example, "The company's profits began to "go in reverse" after the new policy was implemented".

Common error

Avoid using "go in reverse" when a situation is merely slowing down or stagnating, not actively moving backward. A slowdown is different from "going in reverse", which implies an active regression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go in reverse" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of moving backward or undoing a process. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming this usage in diverse contexts, from physical movement to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go in reverse" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both literal backward movement and the reversal of processes or trends. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, indicating its applicability across both formal and informal registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being reversed and avoid using it for situations that are merely slowing down or stagnating. Related phrases like "move backward", "backtrack", and "regress" offer alternative ways to express the concept, with varying degrees of similarity. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, "go in reverse" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move backward

This alternative replaces "go in reverse" with a more literal description of the action.

go backwards

A simpler, more literal alternative to "go in reverse".

backtrack

This option condenses the phrase into a single verb implying a return to a previous position or state.

reverse direction

This phrase emphasizes the act of changing to the opposite direction.

regress

"Regress" suggests a return to a former or less developed state, often used in the context of progress or development.

undo progress

This alternative focuses on the cancellation of forward movement or improvement.

move in the opposite direction

A more descriptive and literal alternative, suitable for clarifying the direction of movement.

turn back

This implies a physical reversal of direction, similar to "move backward".

retreat

Suggests a strategic withdrawal or backward movement, often in a defensive context.

revert

Implies a return to a previous state or condition, often used when something has changed.

FAQs

How can I use "go in reverse" in a sentence?

You can use "go in reverse" to describe physical movement (e.g., "The car had to /s/go+in+reverse target="_blank" rel="nofollow">go in reverse to get out of the driveway") or to describe a process or trend that is regressing (e.g., "The company's sales started to /s/go+in+reverse target="_blank" rel="nofollow">go in reverse after the product recall").

What are some alternatives to "go in reverse"?

Alternatives to "go in reverse" include "move backward", "backtrack", or "regress", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "go in reverse"?

Yes, "go in reverse" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts.

When should I use "go in reverse" versus "move backward"?

"Go in reverse" is often used when referring to systems or processes, while "move backward" is generally used for physical motion. However, both phrases can be used interchangeably in many contexts.