reversal

USAGE SUMMARY

'reversal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when something changes to an opposite or contrasting state or condition. For example, "The company's decision was a complete reversal of their previous stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On July 1st India's main opposition, the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), called for a nationwide strike to put pressure on the state government which, like India's central government, is a coalition led by the Congress party to reverse its reversal.

The Economist

Giles's move marks a reversal of the trend over the last 18 months of ITV staff moving to the corporation.

The Guardian

In this role reversal the SDLP has looked increasingly old and irrelevant.

The Guardian

Following Harriet Harman's announcement this weekend of a reversal of Labour party policy, meaning that it now supports an EU referendum, Robertson restates the SNP's opposition to the plan but argues that, if the vote is to go ahead, then "David Cameron has a responsibility to help ensure it can be an enriching and open debate".

The Guardian

But the effect of the cuts has been a rapid reversal in expectations".

The Guardian

But for George Osborne to claim he is going to pay for his reversal of the NICs rise through "efficiency savings" is risible.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Fabian analysis concludes that the situation is a remarkable reversal of electoral fortunes for Labour, which used to require fewer votes than the Conservatives did to win a majority.

The Guardian

The treatment of employment as a right of citizens that must be delivered by the state involved a crucial reversal of the underlying basis of public delivery in India, which has mostly been driven by a paternalistic view of the state as delivering "gifts" to the people.

The Guardian

While the introduction of traffic light labelling for food was widely acclaimed as one of the deal's biggest successes, it is still only voluntary "and is ignored by many of the 'big food' multinationals", the letter says, adding: "The government's austerity policies have been associated with a reversal in the long-term decline in suicides".

The Guardian

Brett Wigdortz, chief executive of Teach First, the graduate teacher recruitment charity, said: "Over recent years great strides have been taken to close the gap, but this data sees a reversal overall.

The Guardian

The past few days have been a stunning reversal of expectations, from talk of hung parliaments and Miliband in charge to the resurgence of the right.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reversal" when you need to emphasize a change to an opposite state, direction, or policy. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and impact of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "reversal" when a simple change or adjustment is more appropriate. "Reversal" implies a complete turnaround, not just a minor modification.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reversal" is as a noun, often used to describe the act or state of something being reversed. Ludwig AI indicates that this term is appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reversal" is a versatile noun frequently used to describe a change to an opposite state or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's prevalent in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. When using "reversal", ensure it accurately reflects the significance of the change you're describing and is not merely a minor modification. Alternatives such as "turnaround" or "about-face" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turnaround

Focuses on a change in direction or situation, often implying improvement.

about-face

Implies a complete change of opinion or policy.

turnabout

Suggests a sudden or unexpected change in circumstances.

policy change

Specifically refers to alterations in established rules or guidelines.

change of mind

Indicates a shift in one's thoughts or beliefs.

volte-face

Highlights a dramatic and unexpected shift in position.

reversion

Implies a return to a previous state or condition.

transposition

Focuses on a change in the order or arrangement of elements.

flip-flop

Informally describes a frequent or inconsistent change of opinion.

black eye

An informal term that refers to when an event goes south. It is a setback or a disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "reversal" in a sentence?

You can use "reversal" to describe a change to an opposite direction or state. For example, "The government's policy change was a complete "reversal" of its previous stance".

What's the difference between "reversal" and "turnaround"?

"Reversal" implies a shift to an opposite state, while "turnaround" often suggests a change for the better or a recovery from a negative situation.

What are some alternatives to the word "reversal"?

Alternatives to "reversal" include "turnabout", "about-face", or "policy change", depending on the specific context.

Is "reversal" a formal or informal word?

"Reversal" is generally considered a neutral to formal word suitable for use in academic, professional, and news contexts.