revert to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "revert to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when indicating a return to a previous state, condition, or practice. Example: "After trying the new software for a month, we decided to revert to the old system due to compatibility issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The Mets desperately hope a season that crumbled into a three-week debacle can suddenly revert to something pristine during the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

Only in his bedroom did the style revert to something more monastic in nature, with white walls and a narrow metal bed, more in line with his austere Protestant upbringing.

The New York Times

If a Brexit deal honours the referendum outcome it cannot revert to something called "membership" of the EU; but if it reflects responsible handling of the national interest, it will come as close as possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the business cycle resumes, perhaps with exaggerated force, the US is likely to revert to something resembling the attitude to the world that it adopted towards the end of the 19th century.

The Guardian

"In an age when every aspect of our lives is becoming more digitised, it's nice to revert to something more mechanical," says Greene, 29, whose 1980s Chicago-inspired house tracks have been attracting growing recognition on the dance music scene "If you only listen to music digitally, you're so far abstracted from it".

The Guardian - Tech

To prove that the administration is trying to square circles, he points out that current planning calls for a $10 billion rise in total defence spending between 2002 and 2003 which looks unrealistic in political terms.He holds that instead of preparing to fight two full-blown wars at once, the Pentagon should revert to something like the "win-hold-win" scenario mooted five years ago.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"He's got to go through two years without reverting to something which might be O.K. in private but it wouldn't be O.K. in Atlanta".

The New York Times

What cheeky scamps Iron Maiden are, pretending to be all industrial metal on the opener of their 15th album (before reverting to something more familiar, naturally).

The Guardian - Music

Only when United brought Robin van Persie on and reverted to something like their usual set-up did the goals to win the match arrive in the final 10 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

There is an element of reinventing the wheel here, a sense that Oneida, in its crawl toward monogamy, dynastic families, and mercantile (and mercenary) capitalism, was simply reverting to something like a human mean.

The New Yorker

All around it, companies are changing their names to what they consider more trendy - one benighted outfit recently started to call itself Monday but quickly got taken over and reverted to something more sensible - or reducing them to initials, which then have to be explained in terms of what they used to be called.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "revert to something" to indicate a return to a previous state after a change or deviation. For instance, "The company decided to "revert to something" similar to their original marketing strategy after the new campaign failed to produce results."

Common error

While "revert to something" implies a return after a change, using it when there was no significant deviation can sound unnecessarily complex. Use "return to" in straightforward situations: "Let's just return to the initial plan" instead of "Let's "revert to something" like the initial plan."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "revert to something" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a return to a previous state, condition, or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "revert to something" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a return to a previous state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds usage across diverse sources like news, science, and general contexts. While it’s a useful phrase, simpler alternatives like "return to" may be more appropriate when no significant deviation has occurred. Understanding its nuances can enhance clarity in writing, ensuring the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to something

Emphasizes the act of going back, similar to "revert" but without the implication of an undesirable change.

go back to something

A more casual and straightforward way of expressing the idea of returning to a previous state.

fall back on something

Suggests relying on something as a backup or alternative, particularly in a difficult situation.

default to something

Highlights the automatic return to a standard or initial setting, often after an interruption.

shift back to something

Suggests a deliberate change back to a previous condition or arrangement.

recapitulate something

Implies a summary of the most important aspects of previous statement or situation

regress to something

Indicates a return to a less developed state, often implying a decline or deterioration.

relapse into something

Specifically refers to returning to a negative or undesirable state, such as an addiction or bad habit.

recur to something

Describes turning to something again for help or support, especially in times of need.

recede to something

Indicates a gradual return to a previous position or level, often implying a decline or weakening.

FAQs

How can I use "revert to something" in a sentence?

You can use "revert to something" to indicate a return to a previous state, condition, or behavior. For example: "After the experiment failed, they had to "revert to the original method"."

What does "revert to something" mean?

"Revert to something" means to go back to a former state, practice, or belief, often after a period of change or deviation.

What are some alternatives to "revert to something"?

Some alternatives include "return to something", "go back to something", or "fall back on something", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "revert to something"?

While grammatically correct, "revert to something" is most appropriate when emphasizing a return to a former state after a period of change. If there hasn't been a significant deviation, simpler alternatives like "return to" might be more suitable.