revert

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "revert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to return to a former state, condition, practice, opinion, etc. As a noun, it means a person who has reverted to a former faith. Example sentence: After weeks of deliberation, Jim decided to revert to his original plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He fears that if republicans do not get their way, they will revert to force.

The Guardian

That said, last night's final did revert slightly to the bad old days of series one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Otherwise, apart from limited exceptions, once employees have opted into shared parental leave they cannot then revert to maternity leave," Bloodworth says.

The Guardian - Money

He's said he will revert to the practice of previous prime ministers - meaning he doesn't intend to telegraph the date in advance.

The Guardian

He departed his job at the Conference club having been offered this role with Yeovil, which will see the current interim manager, Terry Skiverton, revert to assistant manager, with Darren Way first-team coach.

The Guardian - Sport

The current web address is temporary - apologies that it is a bit fiddly 5thwall says: I think someone has asked about this already, but when i look at the Culture section it will revert to the UK edition, even though the little tab in the top left corner says AU. minor bug, to be sure.

The Guardian

One of his early arguments was that if the police refused to listen to the valid grievances of the black community then 'we revert to the best aspects of the black tradition, which is to get out on the streets and demonstrate'.

The Guardian

If Brazil is serious about the 2C goal, then it must revert to its former pathway on coal.

The Guardian

So far, so defensible, but he then made a show of signing a pledge not to raise fees during the election – only to revert now to his prior position that abolition would be a mistake.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the proposals, the clocks would not revert to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) this autumn, but from next year, the clocks would continue in the same pattern of "spring forward, fall back", shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening through the year.

The Guardian

If I can go a week with no screens around my head, who knows, I might feel born again and never want to revert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "revert" to clearly indicate a return to a prior state, practice, or belief, particularly when emphasizing a deliberate or automatic return after a change or deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "revert" when a simpler word like "change" or "return" would suffice. "Revert" implies a return to a specifically previous state, not just any alteration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "revert" is as an intransitive verb, indicating a return to a prior state or condition. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its verb status. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammaticaly correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "revert" is a versatile verb signifying a return to a former state, condition, or practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound, and it commonly appears in diverse contexts ranging from news media to business and scientific writing. While the word conveys a neutral tone, appropriate alternatives such as "return to" or "fall back on" can enrich your writing depending on the intended nuance. Remember that "revert" specifically denotes a return to a previous state, not just any change. The numerous examples available on Ludwig illustrate its widespread use and contextual adaptability, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to type

Suggests returning to a characteristic or habitual behavior.

return to

Emphasizes the act of coming back to a former condition or place.

go back

Implies a physical or metaphorical return to a previous location or state.

turn back

Highlights a change of direction or a reversal of progress.

fall back on

Suggests relying on something as a backup or alternative.

regress

Indicates a decline to a lower or less developed state.

relapse

Often used in the context of health or behavior, signifying a return to a previous negative state.

backslide

Similar to relapse, but often used in a moral or ethical context.

recur

Implies a repetition or reappearance of something.

resume

To begin again after interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "revert" in a sentence?

The word "revert" means to return to a former state or condition. For example, "After the experiment, the system will "revert" to its default settings."

What does it mean to "revert to type"?

"Revert to type" means to return to a characteristic or habitual behavior, often one that is considered typical or predictable for that person or thing. This implies a return to a fundamental or inherent nature.

Are there formal alternatives to the word "revert"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "return to", "fall back on", or "resume" as more sophisticated alternatives to "revert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "revert" and "reverse"?

"Revert" implies returning to a previous state, while "reverse" indicates a change to the opposite direction or condition. For instance, you might "revert" to an old habit, but "reverse" a decision.