reset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the action of restoring something to its original state or starting over. Example: "If the device is not functioning properly, you may need to reset it to resolve the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chafee has also criticized Clinton's conduct as secretary of state and her mishandling of the so-called "Russia reset".

The Guardian

Any deal in which the terms are unilaterally reset to favour us is bound to be attractive.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: If an image fails pre-moderation, your avatar will be reset to the default (grey) image.

The Guardian

Related: Burnham and Cooper are squeezing out modernisers, senior Labour figures fear Cooper, who is believed to have secured as many as 50 nominations from MPs, will say: "We need to reset our relationship with business around a shared vision for building an economy that faces the future.

The Guardian

Valencia was in hospital this morning having an operation to reset his ankle after he suffered an horrific injury during last night's Champions League draw with Rangers at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Sport

The debate is over the export legislation amendment bill 2014, which seeks to reset fees for more fullsome "cost recovery" for the provision of services to exporters.

The Guardian

The armed rebels are not going to want the regime to use the ceasefire to regain its balance and reset its strategy, which has accomplished little beyond destruction so far.

The Guardian

For example, don't mention your "porn star name" (name of first pet plus mother's maiden name), which is exactly the kind of information needed to reset email and bank accounts.

The Guardian

Concerns have been raised over the ease with which thieves can reset the Apple Watch, as well as pair it with any iPhone, without the original owner's permission.

The Guardian - Tech

In her first major policy intervention, she said on Tuesday that Labour needed to reset its relationship with business, and that Miliband's divisional rhetoric of "predators and producers" had been mistaken.

The Guardian

The good news is that most fearful, micro-managing parents would sense such idiocy brewing within, have a good laugh at their own behaviour, and adjust and reset accordingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reset" in technical contexts, be specific about what is being reset (e.g., "reset the router", "reset the password") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reset" metaphorically when a simpler word like "rethink" or "reconsider" would be more appropriate. Overusing technical terms can make your writing sound awkward or forced.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reset" is a verb, used to describe the action of restoring something to its initial state or setting it to zero. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used term, particularly in technical and strategic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "reset" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb, denoting the act of restoring something to its original state or starting anew. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans various contexts, from technical fields to strategic planning, making it a common term in both formal and informal communication. While synonyms like "restart" or "restore" exist, understanding the specific nuances of "reset" ensures precise and effective communication. Remember to avoid overuse in non-technical contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Restart

Emphasizes beginning again after an interruption or pause.

Restore

Focuses on returning something to a previous, often better, condition.

Readjust

Implies making small changes to correct or improve something.

Reboot

Specifically refers to restarting a computer or system.

Reconfigure

Focuses on changing the settings or arrangement of something.

Return to default

Indicates reverting to the original settings or state.

Set back

Highlights moving something to an earlier position or state.

Reestablish

Focuses on setting up something again after it has been removed or lost.

Bring back

Emphasizes returning to a prior situation or condition.

Turn back

Suggests reversing progress or returning to a starting point.

FAQs

How to use "reset" in a sentence?

You can use "reset" to describe restoring something to its original state, like "I need to "reset my password"". It can also mean adjusting after failure, such as "Let's "reset our strategy" after this setback".

What can I say instead of "reset"?

Alternatives include "restart", "restore", or "reboot", depending on the context. For example, instead of "reset the device", you could say "restart the device".

Which is correct, "reset" or "restart"?

Both "reset" and "restart" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Reset" often implies returning to an initial state, while "restart" means beginning again. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

What's the difference between "reset" and "reconfigure"?

"Reset" means returning to a default or initial state, while "reconfigure" means changing the settings or arrangement. You "reset a router" to its factory settings, but you "reconfigure network settings" to customize them.