reverse course

USAGE SUMMARY

"reverse course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe an abrupt change in direction or opinion, and implies that something has gone wrong or is wrong. For example, "The government decided to reverse course on their position on immigration after polls showed overwhelming opposition to their policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But we can reverse course.

The New York Times

He faces growing pressure to reverse course.

The New York Times

That caused Mr. Bopp to reverse course.

The New York Times

"Reverse course, Prime Minister," he said sternly.

The New York Times - Arts

There is still time to reverse course.

The New York Times

Now, he has had to reverse course.

The Guardian

Intimidate, pressure, bribe, cajole, and then reverse course".

The New Yorker

For one thing, interest rates can reverse course, obliterating gains.

The New York Times

The Allahabad court has done nothing to reverse course.

The Guardian - Opinion

The supreme leader can find the means to reverse course.

The New York Times

Do we have the will to reverse course?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reverse course" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and often significant change in direction or policy. It implies a previous commitment that is now being abandoned.

Common error

Avoid using "reverse course" for minor adjustments or changes of plans. It's best reserved for situations where there is a substantial shift in strategy or a decision with significant implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reverse course" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively to describe the act of changing direction or policy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reverse course" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a deliberate change in direction or policy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media to signal a significant shift. When writing, remember that it's best suited for situations where a substantial alteration is taking place, rather than minor adjustments. Alternatives such as "change direction" or "alter strategy" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its function and register will help you effectively incorporate "reverse course" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change direction

This is a direct synonym focusing on altering the path or trajectory.

alter strategy

Emphasizes a shift in the planned approach or method.

backtrack

Suggests returning to a previous position or decision.

do an about-face

Implies a complete and sudden reversal of opinion or policy.

change one's mind

Focuses on the internal shift in opinion or decision.

take a different tack

Suggests adopting a new method or approach, often in response to challenges.

shift gears

Implies a change in approach or intensity, adapting to new circumstances.

pivot

Suggests a strategic change in direction, especially in business contexts.

reconsider

Emphasizes the act of thinking again about a decision or plan.

withdraw

Indicates the act of pulling back or retracting a statement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "reverse course" in a sentence?

You can use "reverse course" to describe a change in strategy, direction, or policy. For example, "The company decided to "reverse course" after the initial marketing campaign failed to resonate with consumers."

What's a good alternative to "reverse course"?

Alternatives include "change direction", "alter strategy", or "backtrack", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reverse course" in formal writing?

Yes, "reverse course" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news, business, and academic contexts. It clearly conveys a significant shift in approach.

What does it imply when someone "reverses course"?

It implies that the person or organization is changing a previously established plan or direction, often because of negative feedback, new information, or a change in circumstances.