might be overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be overturned" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a potential or possible future event in which a previous decision or ruling may be reversed or nullified. It is often used in legal or political contexts. Example: The Supreme Court's decision on the controversial immigration law might be overturned by a lower court, leading to widespread protests and criticism from immigrant rights groups.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I can't believe this might be overturned.

The New York Times

It had barely considered the possibility that the law might be overturned.

The Economist

In 1990, fearing that Roe v Wade might be overturned, the electorate voted to safeguard abortion rights.

The Economist

One thing he asked him was how he felt about Supreme Court precedents — in particular, on what grounds they might be overturned.

The New Yorker

One thing he asked him was how he felt about Supreme Court precedents in particular, on what grounds they might be overturned.

The New Yorker

Drake's players and coaches stood frozen in disbelief, as if the basket might be overturned and their improbable season would somehow continue.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

By leaving open the possibility that the ban might later be overturned, its president may be signaling a willingness to facilitate a transition to a post-Chávez government if necessary.

The Economist

The plaintiffs' lawyer, Don Specter, said the judges, all of whom are known for their liberal rulings, may be reluctant to give specific reforms to the state, preferring the state arrive at its own reduction plan, because the judges' decision might otherwise be overturned by the United States Supreme Court, which would hear any appeal.

The New York Times

It's hard to know how many rules might realistically be overturned in this way.

Forbes

Hence, even if the Arizona law is identical in content with federal law, notes Stumpf, it might still be overturned by courts on jurisdictional grounds.

Forbes

It's no wonder Big Government types have been actively pushing for similar laws in other states such laws might eventually be overturned, but until they were, political opponents would have to fight to get around barriers instead of being focused on giving voters the opportunity to rein in tax-and-spend politicos.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be overturned", ensure the context clearly indicates what decision, law, or ruling is at risk of being reversed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "might be overturned". If possible, rephrase to emphasize the actor who might overturn the decision, making the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be overturned" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential future event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show its usage in legal and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be overturned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the possibility of a reversal of a decision, ruling, or law. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in legal and political contexts. The examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist demonstrate its usage across various scenarios. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly specify what is at risk of being overturned to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "could be reversed" and "may be invalidated" offer similar meanings, but "might be overturned" is a direct and effective way to convey the potential for change. Its frequency indicates it is a common term, but writers should still aim for active voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be reversed

Emphasizes the action of reversing a decision, similar to overturning.

may be invalidated

Focuses on the potential for something to lose its legal standing.

might get reversed

More informal phrasing, indicating a change in direction.

could be repealed

Specifically suggests the potential cancellation of a law or regulation.

may be revoked

Implies a formal withdrawal or cancellation of something.

might be rescinded

Suggests the cancellation or annulment of an action or law.

could be annulled

Focuses on the act of declaring something void or invalid.

may be nullified

Emphasizes that something could become legally void or ineffective.

might be quashed

Suggests that something could be suppressed or rejected.

could be set aside

Indicates that something could be disregarded or made ineffective.

FAQs

How can I use "might be overturned" in a sentence?

Use "might be overturned" to express the possibility that a decision, ruling, or law could be reversed or invalidated. For example, "The judge's ruling in the case "might be overturned" on appeal."

What are some alternatives to "might be overturned"?

Alternatives include "could be reversed", "may be invalidated", or "could be repealed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "might be overturned" or "might get overturned"?

"Might be overturned" is more formal and grammatically traditional. "Might get overturned" is more informal but still acceptable in casual contexts.

What's the difference between "might be overturned" and "will be overturned"?

"Might be overturned" expresses a possibility or uncertainty, while "will be overturned" expresses a stronger degree of certainty about the future reversal.