reversible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reversible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that can be reversed or undone, such as a process, action, or condition. Example: "The chemical reaction is reversible, allowing the substances to return to their original state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laser physicists have built a reversible tractor beam and are using it to retrieve tiny particles.

The Guardian - Tech

"If you're talking about general elections, those are reversible.

The Guardian

No one knows if what man has done is reversible.

The Guardian

Most have gone no further than raising bonuses, an easily reversible step.The Keidanren is now recommending that its members offer pay rises in next spring's annual talks with unions, and some say they will consider doing so.

The Economist

The rebels, who were unrepresented at Mr Bashir's forum, immediately rejected his ceasefire call.Indeed, as the same Western diplomat points out, all Mr Bashir's recent promises to reform his ways are, as usual, "easily reversible".

The Economist

In many countries corruption is falling on every count.In this section The new number one Space race Blood, sweat and REITs Can't pay, won't pay Judge or be judged Venturesome consumption ReprintsThe trend is favourable but, the authors note, still reversible.

The Economist

In Tunisia, when post-revolutionary politics appeared close to collapse last year after the murder of two opposition politicians, Nahda agreed to dissolve the three-party government it led and made way for a cabinet of technocrats.Although Tunisia's political achievement is impressive, it remains fragile and reversible.

The Economist

The process is reversible: once the field is removed, the fluid flows freely again.

The Economist

The idea that the euro itself might also be reversible and that one or more countries might revert to national currencies is no longer unthinkable.

The Economist

Progress, as General David Petraeus, the American commander on the ground, is wont to say, is "fragile and reversible".

The Economist

Navies patrolling the area, from EU task-forces to private motherships, are also co-operating better and acting more aggressively.All these gains are "fragile and reversible", says Jon Huggins, director of Oceans Beyond Piracy, an American NGO.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing policies or decisions, use "reversible" to highlight the possibility of future adjustments. This conveys flexibility and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "reversible" when you mean "renewable". "Reversible" refers to something that can be undone or changed back, while "renewable" refers to something that can be replenished or restored. For example, solar energy is renewable, but a contract might be reversible under certain conditions.

Linguistic Context

The word "reversible" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their capacity to be returned to a previous state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reversible" is a versatile adjective used to describe something capable of being undone or changed back. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using "reversible", ensure it aligns with its intended meaning of mutability and the possibility of reversal, avoiding confusion with terms like "renewable". Employ it to convey the flexibility and adaptability of processes, decisions, or actions. Remember that the antonym of reversible is "irreversible", so using the word in the right sense matters to convey the message you are giving!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to be undone

Focuses on the capacity to undo an action or change.

able to be changed back

Emphasizes the potential to return something to its initial condition.

capable of being inverted

Highlights the possibility of reversing the order or position.

liable to alteration

Suggests a susceptibility to changes or modifications.

subject to reversal

Indicates that a decision or process can be overturned.

not permanent

Highlights the temporary nature of something, implying it can be changed.

rectifiable

Implies that something can be corrected or set right.

remediable

Suggests that a problem or situation can be fixed or improved.

able to revert

Focuses on the ability to return to a previous state or condition.

modifiable

Highlights the capacity to be changed or altered.

FAQs

How can I use "reversible" in a sentence?

You can use "reversible" to describe processes, decisions, or items that can be undone or changed back to their original state. For instance, "The effects of the medication are "reversible" if the patient stops taking it".

What is a synonym for "reversible"?

A synonym for "reversible" is "able to be undone". Other options include "able to be changed back" or "modifiable".

Is "reversible" the same as "renewable"?

"Reversible" and "renewable" have different meanings. "Reversible" means something can be undone, whereas "renewable" refers to something that can be replenished. Using one when you mean the other can lead to confusion.

What's the difference between a "reversible" and an "irreversible" process?

A "reversible" process can return to its original state, while an "irreversible" process cannot. For example, dissolving sugar in water is generally "reversible" (through evaporation), but burning a piece of paper is "irreversible".