have been overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been overturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision, ruling, or situation has been reversed or invalidated. Example: "The previous court ruling has been overturned by the higher court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Great empires have been overturned.

The Guardian

Judgment calls have been overturned by baseball, albeit rarely.

The New York Times

Thankfully, some of Judge Walker's rulings have been overturned.

The New York Times

Past convictions often have been overturned on appeal.

The New York Times

Thirty have been overturned by the court of appeal.

The Guardian

Many trucks have been overturned on the mountain.

The Guardian

Slowly but surely those constrictions have been overturned.

The Guardian

All the old victories that have been overturned.

The New Yorker

The assumptions of dictatorship have changed, passivity and stasis have been overturned.

The New Yorker

Since then, two other criminal prosecutions that relied on Sir Roy's testimony have been overturned.

The Economist

So although it wouldn't have been overturned on review, it was close enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been overturned", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was previously established and is now reversed or invalidated. For example, specify if it's a law, a decision, or a belief.

Common error

Avoid using "have been overturned" when a situation has merely changed or evolved, rather than being explicitly reversed. Use it only when there is a direct invalidation or reversal of a prior state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been overturned" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that a prior action or state has been reversed or invalidated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of something previously established being nullified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been overturned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the reversal or invalidation of a prior decision, ruling, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly common in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what specifically has been reversed. Alternatives include phrases like "have been reversed" or "have been invalidated", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it when something has merely changed without a direct reversal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been reversed

Focuses on the act of reversing a decision or situation.

have been invalidated

Highlights the lack of legal or factual basis, rendering something void.

have been repealed

Specifically refers to the cancellation or annulment of a law or act.

have been nullified

Emphasizes the act of making something legally void or ineffective.

have been rescinded

Indicates the cancellation or revocation of a law, order, or agreement.

have been revoked

Implies the official cancellation or withdrawal of a decree, permit, or right.

have been annulled

Refers to the declaration that something is invalid or no longer exists legally.

have been quashed

Suggests the suppression or rejection of something, often a legal decision.

have been voided

Focuses on the state of being without legal effect.

have been overturned on appeal

Specifically refers to a reversal of a lower court's decision by a higher court.

FAQs

How is "have been overturned" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "have been overturned" indicates that a prior court decision has been reversed by a higher court or through subsequent legislation. This typically means the original ruling is no longer valid.

What are some synonyms for "have been overturned"?

Alternatives to "have been overturned" include "have been reversed", "have been invalidated", or "have been repealed" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "have been overturned" in formal writing?

Yes, "have been overturned" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing legal, political, or academic topics. Its precise meaning makes it useful in situations where accuracy is important.

How does "have been overturned" differ from "have been changed"?

"Have been changed" implies a modification or alteration, while "have been overturned" specifically means that something has been reversed or invalidated. For example, a law might be amended (changed), but a court ruling can be "have been overturned on appeal".