he has reversed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has reversed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has changed a decision, action, or situation back to a previous state. Example: "After considering the feedback, he has reversed his decision to cut the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But he has reversed course".

The New York Times

If that's the case, he has reversed himself into some pretty nice spots.

The New York Times

He has reversed himself on NATO, which he called "obsolete" shortly before his inauguration.

The Washington Post

Mr. Bloomberg has consistently praised Mr. Giuliani, even as he has reversed several of his policies.

The New York Times

And, in recent weeks, he has reversed himself at least once on it.

The New Yorker

Now he has reversed direction, summoning real figures into a coming-of-age novel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Tom Swift explores the universe in the starship Exedra, using a faster-than-light drive he has reverse-engineered from an alien space probe.

Wikipedia

On Sunday, Mr. Naftalis said he had reversed course.

The New York Times

He had reversed the sand in the hourglass, but time is always running out for point guards.

The New York Times - Sports

Hunt said the CSIRO had made that decision but that he had reversed it: "I made the decision that under our watch it would be given priority".

The Guardian

By 2005, though, when he was beginning to consider a presidential run, he had reversed course and described himself as a "pro-life governor in a pro-choice state".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has reversed" when you want to emphasize a deliberate change from a previous stance or action. It's particularly effective when highlighting shifts in policy, opinion, or strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "he has reversed" when simply indicating a change or modification. Ensure the context clearly indicates a return to a prior state or position, not just a general alteration. For a less specific change, use words such as "adjusted", "modified", or "changed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has reversed" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a male subject has undone or changed a previous action, decision, or policy. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts ranging from political stances to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has reversed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone has changed direction or reverted to a previous state, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in reporting shifts in policy, opinions, and decisions. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects a return to a prior state rather than a general change. Alternatives include "he has changed his mind" or "he has backtracked", offering nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. When writing, focus on context to ensure that “he has reversed” is the most accurate way to express the type of change in meaning, as Ludwig pointed out, the sentence is trying to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has changed his mind

Indicates a shift in opinion or decision; emphasizes the mental aspect of the change.

he has altered his course

Focuses on a change in direction or strategy.

he has backtracked

Implies a retreat from a previously held position.

he has U-turned

Suggests a complete and abrupt reversal.

he has done an about-face

Highlights a sudden and complete change in direction or policy.

he has gone back on his word

Focuses on breaking a promise or commitment.

he has rescinded his decision

Formally cancels or revokes a decision.

he has withdrawn his support

Indicates the removal of backing or endorsement.

he has reneged on his agreement

Failed to honor an agreement or commitment.

he has flip-flopped

Suggests an inconsistency or lack of conviction in changing positions.

FAQs

How do I use "he has reversed" in a sentence?

Use "he has reversed" to indicate that someone has changed a decision, action, or situation back to a previous state. For example, "After initial hesitation, "he has reversed his stance" on the issue".

What can I say instead of "he has reversed"?

You can use alternatives like "he has changed his mind", "he has altered his course", or "he has backtracked" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "he has reversed himself" in formal writing?

Yes, "he has reversed himself" is acceptable in formal writing. It emphasizes that the subject has personally changed their stance or opinion. However, "he has reversed" can be more concise and is often preferred.

What is the difference between "he has reversed" and "he has changed"?

"He has changed" indicates a general modification, whereas "he has reversed" suggests a return to a previous condition or decision. Therefore, "he has reversed" implies a more specific kind of change than "he has changed".