revert to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "revert to him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something has returned to a previous state. For example, "After a brief period of bad behavior, the dog reverted to him and was obedient again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The prime minister is sanguine about the Ukip figure, claiming it is a protest vote that will revert to him after the European elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

United Artists thought that the Beatles would be a short-lived phenomenon, but Mr. Shenson foresaw their staying power and struck an agreement with the studio that all rights to the film would revert to him after 15 years.

The New York Times

Paul McCartney says that he didn't believe rumors that Michael Jackson's will would let the Beatles' publishing revert to him, and as a result wasn't distraught when that didn't happen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Walter Shenson, who produced "A Hard Day's Night," had the foresight to include a clause in his contract with United Artists by which the rights to the film reverted to him in 1979.

The New York Times

Gushing over Lloyd's transformation tended to make him revert to his most thuggish, surly behavior.

The New York Times - Magazine

He will have to adapt to succeed, rather than revert to what worked for him once before.

The Guardian - Sport

Heskey regained his spot initially after Gerard Houllier's arrival as manager last season but Bent's £18million capture saw him revert to being a back-up player.

Independent

Roethlisberger is very comfortable in the shotgun, and at this stage of his career, he can become an adept quick-drop passer (though on third downs, you'll likely see him revert to his improvisational 13- and 15-step drops).

The New York Times

And though the machine can sometimes bring Booker to his knees, make him revert to the ways of boss politics, nobody gets back up quite like he does.

Huffington Post

East's shift to the heart king was thoughtful, allowing him to revert to clubs from his side.

The New York Times - Arts

Pellegrini's switch to a 4-4-2 for the last few games has been an interesting one, but I expect him to revert to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1re a team to be formation

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "revert to him", ensure the context clearly establishes what is returning or being restored to the person. It often implies a previous ownership, state or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "revert to him" when you actually mean someone is changing their behavior to be more like another person. "Revert to him" implies something is being returned to him, not becoming him.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "revert to him" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of something returning to a prior state, condition, or ownership associated with a specific individual. It suggests a restoration or a return to a previous norm. As Ludwig states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "revert to him" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something returning to a previous state, ownership, or association with a particular person. As Ludwig indicates, it's valid and usable, although relatively rare. The primary context is in news and media, and the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is returning to the person. Bear in mind that it describes a returning process, not a change in character to become someone. Alternatives such as "return to him" or "go back to him" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to him

Simple substitution of "revert" with "return", maintaining the same meaning.

go back to him

Replaces "revert" with the more informal "go back", indicating a return to a previous state or relationship.

fall back on him

Implies reliance on the person as a default or fallback option.

recur to him

More formal synonym for "revert", implying a repeated return.

default to him

Suggests that the person is the automatic choice or outcome.

be restored to him

Focuses on the action of something being given back to the person.

become his again

Highlights the regaining of possession or control by the person.

be given back to him

Emphasizes the act of returning something to the person.

be returned to his possession

Formal way of saying something is returned to the person's ownership

to be under his control again

The object goes under the other's control again.

FAQs

What does "revert to him" mean?

The phrase "revert to him" means that something returns to a state where it belongs to, is controlled by, or is associated with a particular person. It implies a return to a previous condition or ownership.

When is it appropriate to use "revert to him"?

Use "revert to him" when discussing rights, possessions, behaviors, or conditions that are returning to a specific person after a temporary change or absence.

What are some alternatives to "revert to him"?

Alternatives include "return to him", "go back to him", or "fall back on him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "revert to him" differ from "refer to him"?

"Revert to him" implies a return to a previous state related to him, while "refer to him" simply means to mention or allude to him. They have completely different meanings and usages.