reverse that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reverse that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to change the order or direction of something, or when they want to undo a previous action. Example: "I accidentally mixed up the steps in this recipe. Can you reverse that and tell me the correct order?" Another example: "I think we should reverse the order of the slides in our presentation. Let's start with the conclusion and then go back to the introduction. Can you reverse that for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's the reverse that seems less plausible.

The New York Times

I'll reverse that failure.

The New York Times

argued to reverse that ruling.

The New Yorker

Islamists want to reverse that.

The Economist

Two forces will reverse that.

The Economist

Will you reverse that?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The new order "reverses that".

Science Magazine

Cancún reverses that downward spiral.

Huffington Post

"There is no reversing that".

Independent

He reversed that".

The New York Times

Viagra reverses that effect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reverse that" when you want to express a change in direction or the act of undoing something. Ensure the context is clear so the reader understands what is being reversed.

Common error

Avoid using "reverse that" without clearly specifying what you are reversing. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Provide enough context so the scope of the reversal is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reverse that" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It indicates the action of changing the direction, order, or effect of something previously established. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reverse that" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of changing direction, negating an effect, or undoing a previous action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use across various contexts. The analysis shows that the phrase appears most often in News & Media sources, followed by Academic and Formal & Business settings. When writing, it's best to use "reverse that" when the subject of the reversal is clear to the audience, avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives include phrases like "undo that" or "overturn that", depending on the context. This comprehensive analysis provides a clear understanding of how to effectively use "reverse that" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undo that

Emphasizes the cancellation or nullification of a previous action or decision.

overturn that

Suggests a formal reversal, often in a legal or official context.

repeal that

Specifically refers to the revocation of a law or regulation.

nullify that

Implies rendering something invalid or without legal force.

counteract that

Focuses on neutralizing the effects of something.

negate that

Highlights the act of making something ineffective or untrue.

invalidate that

Similar to nullify, but emphasizes the lack of validity from the outset.

revoke that

Implies taking back or cancelling something that was previously granted or in effect.

rescind that

A more formal term for canceling or revoking something.

backtrack on that

Suggests retreating from a previously held position or decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "reverse that" to indicate a change in direction or the act of undoing something. For example, "The company's profits were declining, but new management hopes to "reverse that" trend".

What's an alternative to saying "reverse that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "undo that", "overturn that", or "repeal that".

Is it correct to say "can we reverse that"?

Yes, "can we reverse that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to ask if a particular action or decision can be undone.

What does it mean to "reverse that decision"?

To "reverse that decision" means to change a decision that was previously made, effectively undoing it. For example, if a court "reverses that" decision, it means the previous ruling is no longer valid.