must be reversed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be reversed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be turned around or changed to its opposite state or order. Example: "The process must be reversed to achieve the desired outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It must be reversed.

The New York Times

These trends must be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Funding cuts, he said, must be reversed.

The Guardian

Cuts that threaten women's lives must be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any shift must be reversed," it said in analysis published on Tuesday.

The Guardian

It is a short sighted judgment that can not be tolerated and must be reversed.

The Guardian

It is a gross error of judgment and must be reversed".

The Guardian

Then the process must be reversed to resume the printing of ordinary documents.

The New York Times - Tech

Cuts to the work allowance under universal credit must be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new laws and rhetoric are primitive and they must be reversed.

The New York Times

Israel's refusal to engage with President Mahmoud Abbas's new unity government, because it includes Hamas, must be reversed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be reversed", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action, decision, or trend requires reversal for clarity and impact. Be sure the agent responsible for the reversal is clearly defined or implied within the surrounding text.

Common error

Avoid using "must be reversed" without clearly specifying who or what is responsible for initiating the reversal. Unclear agency can weaken the statement and leave the reader unsure about accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be reversed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing strong necessity or obligation in the passive voice. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it commonly emphasizes the need to undo or change a decision, policy, or trend.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be reversed" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong imperative for change, particularly to undo or correct something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English writing. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business, often with a tone of urgency. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what needs to be reversed and who is responsible for the reversal. While effective, consider alternatives in more formal contexts if a less forceful tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be inverted

Focuses on the reversal aspect, particularly in a structural or logical context.

should be overturned

Implies a formal decision or outcome that needs to be invalidated or changed.

has to be undone

Emphasizes the need to cancel or nullify a previous action or situation.

ought to be repealed

Specifically suggests that a law or regulation should be officially revoked.

demands rectification

Highlights the urgent need for correction or righting a wrong.

requires amendment

Indicates a need for modification or improvement to correct an issue.

calls for a turnaround

Suggests a complete change in direction or approach.

necessitates invalidation

Implies that something must be formally declared void or without effect.

warrants a correction

Highlights that a mistake or inaccuracy needs to be set right.

mandates a revision

Suggests that a thorough review and alteration are essential.

FAQs

How can I use "must be reversed" in a sentence?

The phrase "must be reversed" is used to express a strong need for something to be changed to its opposite. For example: "This decision "must be reversed" immediately to avoid further damage."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "must be reversed"?

Alternatives to "must be reversed" include "needs to be inverted", "should be overturned", or "has to be undone", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "must be reversed" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "must be reversed" when emphasizing the necessity of a change, correction, or cancellation of a policy, decision, or trend. The tone is firm and indicates a high level of importance for the reversal.

Is "must be reversed" too strong for formal writing?

While "must be reversed" conveys urgency, its suitability for formal writing depends on the context. In academic or business settings, consider alternatives like "requires amendment" or "demands rectification" if a less forceful tone is preferred.