has to reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to reverse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something must be turned back or undone. Example: "In order to fix the error, the process has to reverse to the previous step."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"More policemen are dying than Naxalites," he said, "and that has to reverse.

The New York Times

And to head off that threat, the critics say, the Fed has to reverse course and raise interest rates -- never mind the risks of recession.

The New York Times

As a consequence of this reversal of current direction, the magnetic field around the current (discovered by Ørsted and Ampère) has to reverse its direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She also says it eliminates the possibility that hair on either side of the head will be cut in a different direction because a hairdresser has to reverse where he stands and how he handles the scissors.

The New York Times

By its very design, the seesaw has to reverse, but there's a lot of power held in the person at the bottom (though I'm not always sure which side we're attributing to each other).

The New York Times

Either Mr Cameron has to reverse that particular ferret and say that his own brand of "tough on crime" comes before all other considerations, or he has to make the best argument he can out of Mr Clarke's fundamental belief that too many people who do not need to be in jail are being sent there.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We have to reverse it.

The New Yorker

Now, he has had to reverse course.

The Guardian

Holder would have to reverse that decision.

The Guardian

I actually had to reverse engineer Amy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have to reverse that fear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has to reverse", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be reversed and why. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has to reverse" without clearly specifying what action or situation requires reversal. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to reverse" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or necessity to undo or turn back a particular action, decision, or trend. Ludwig examples show it in contexts ranging from political strategy to technical processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has to reverse" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the necessity of undoing or changing a course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from various contexts, predominantly news and media. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "is required to undo" for more formal settings. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what needs reversing. The frequency of the term is common, making it a solid choice for expressing required adjustments or corrections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must revert

Emphasizes the necessity of returning to a previous state.

needs to backtrack

Implies retracing steps or actions previously taken.

is required to undo

Highlights the obligation to cancel or reverse something.

should invert

Suggests a complete turning around of a situation or action.

must invalidate

Focuses on the need to nullify or cancel out a prior action or decision.

ought to repeal

Implies the formal revocation of a law, decision or agreement.

should rescind

Suggests the cancellation of a prior statement or agreement.

is forced to retreat

Indicates a compelled withdrawal from a previously held position.

is compelled to withdraw

Similar to 'is forced to retreat', emphasizes the obligation to pull back.

needs to turn around

Implies a change in direction or approach.

FAQs

How can I use "has to reverse" in a sentence?

Use "has to reverse" to indicate a necessary change of direction or the undoing of a previous action. For example, "The company "has to reverse" its decision due to public pressure."

What are some alternatives to "has to reverse"?

Alternatives include "must revert", "needs to backtrack", or "is required to undo", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has to reverse" formal or informal?

"Has to reverse" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider alternatives like "is required to undo".

What's the difference between "has to reverse" and "has to revert"?

While both imply going back, "has to reverse" suggests a change in direction, whereas "has to revert" implies returning to a previous state or condition.