reverse of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reverse of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that is the opposite or contrary to another thing. Example: "The reverse of success is failure." Alternative expressions include "opposite of" and "contrary to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The reverse of approximation is separation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Almost the reverse of the touche".

The New Yorker

The reverse, of course, is not true.

The New Yorker

The reverse, of course, is also true.

The New York Times

Now we're seeing the reverse of that.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the reverse of fair.

The Guardian

Sunday was the reverse of that.

The Guardian - Sport

(The reverse, of course, is much easier).

The New York Times - Arts

It's the reverse of what we have.

The New Yorker

It is the reverse of the truth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is the reverse of normal bear behavior.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, ensure that the relationship is truly reciprocal. If one action undoes another exactly, "reverse of" is the most precise choice.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the preposition "of" or using "reverse to" when describing a state of being. Always use "the reverse of" when identifying an opposite state. For example, do not say "This is reverse the truth"; instead, use "This is the reverse of the truth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reverse of" typically functions as a nominal complement where a noun (usually "reverse") is followed by the preposition "of" to identify a subject that is diametrically opposed to another. According to Ludwig, it serves to define a state or action that is the total flip side of a previous point. In many cases, it is preceded by the definite article "the", making it a complete noun phrase used to establish a binary contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reverse of" is an essential tool for any writer looking to articulate clear contradictions or reciprocal relationships. Based on the data from Ludwig, it is a robust expression found in high-authority sources ranging from the The New York Times to the Journal of Inequalities and Applications. It functions primarily as a noun phrase to identify a subject that is the polar opposite of another. Whether you are describing a biological process or a surprising turn of events in a news story, using "reverse of" provides a level of analytical precision that simple alternatives might lack. Remember to always include the preposition "of" to maintain grammatical integrity. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that this is a highly reliable and versatile phrase for formal, scientific and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposite of

The most common and versatile synonym for general contrast.

reversal of

Focuses on the action of turning something around rather than just the state of being opposite.

inverse of

Often used in mathematical, logical or technical contexts to describe a reciprocal relationship.

contrary to

Focuses more on the conflict between two ideas or expectations rather than just the structural flip.

converse of

Specifically relates to the reversal of the terms of a proposition or statement.

antithesis of

Carries a stronger rhetorical weight, implying a complete and direct philosophical opposition.

mirror image of

Emphasizes a structural or visual reversal that maintains the same pattern in reverse.

flip side of

A more idiomatic and informal way to describe the other half of a situation.

negation of

Used when one thing effectively cancels out or proves the other false.

counterpoint to

Suggests a contrasting element that provides balance or a different perspective.

FAQs

How do I use "reverse of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an opposite situation, such as: "The new policy had the "opposite of" the intended effect; it was the reverse of what we expected".

What is the difference between "reverse of" and "inverse of"?

While often used interchangeably, "inverse of" is typically reserved for mathematics or logic (like an additive inverse), whereas "reverse of" is used more broadly for any opposite state or direction.

Can I use "contrary to" instead of "reverse of"?

Yes, but they function differently. "contrary to" is often a prepositional phrase starting a sentence (e.g. "Contrary to popular belief..."), while "reverse of" usually follows a verb (e.g. "It is the reverse of the truth").

Is it more formal to say "the reverse of" or "the opposite of"?

Both are formal and widely accepted. However, "reverse of" can sometimes sound slightly more technical or analytical, making it a favorite in scientific and academic contexts according to Ludwig AI.