should be reversed

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be reversed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the order of something needs to be reversed, or it should be done in the opposite direction. For example, "The process of implementation should be reversed in order for the changes to take effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conviction should be reversed.

The New York Times

This should be reversed.

Harvard Business Review

Today, surely, the topography should be reversed.

The New Yorker

"That order should be reversed," he said.

The New York Times

substantially of copying should be reversed.

Stanford University

The judgment under review should be reversed.

Cornell University

The order should be reversed on appeal.

The New York Times

The judgment should be reversed, and a new trial granted.

Cornell University

All three appellate judges said the ruling should be reversed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I think that the judgment should be reversed.

Cornell University

They argue that this conditioning can, and should, be reversed.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be reversed", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action, decision, or order needs to be changed. It is often helpful to provide a brief explanation of why the reversal is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "should be reversed" without clearly specifying what action, decision, or policy it refers to. For example, instead of saying "This should be reversed", specify "This policy should be reversed due to its negative impact on employee morale".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be reversed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation or necessity for an action to be undone or changed to its opposite. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that a prior decision or process is deemed incorrect or detrimental and requires alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

42%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be reversed" is a common and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the need to undo or change a prior action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys a critical opinion and advocates for a change, often to rectify a negative situation. Its usage spans across various contexts, including academia, news media, and formal discussions, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly specifies what action needs to be reversed to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opposite should occur

This expresses the need for the contrary action or result to take place.

ought to be undone

This alternative uses "ought to" instead of "should", implying a moral obligation or duty.

needs to be overturned

This phrase emphasizes the act of reversing a decision or ruling, often in a legal context.

must be revoked

This alternative suggests a formal cancellation or withdrawal of something, like a law or permit.

the decision requires reconsideration

This suggests that the decision needs to be thought through again, potentially leading to a reversal.

has to be inverted

This alternative focuses on changing the order or arrangement of elements, similar to reversing.

should be annulled

This phrase implies a declaration that something is invalid or no longer legally binding.

this course of action needs alteration

Focuses on altering the path taken instead of a complete reversal.

it's necessary to backtrack

This alternative highlights the act of retracing steps or undoing a previous action.

the present arrangement warrants rearrangement

Focuses on the need for a new organization or ordering.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "should be reversed"?

It means that a previous action, decision, or policy is believed to be incorrect or detrimental and "ought to be undone" or changed to its opposite.

How to use "should be reversed" in a sentence?

Use "should be reversed" to express the need to change a course of action. For example, "The decision to cut funding "needs to be overturned" because it harms vital programs".

What are some alternatives to "should be reversed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must be revoked", "has to be inverted", or "the opposite should occur" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to say something "should be reversed"?

It is appropriate when you believe a previous action or decision has had negative consequences or was based on flawed reasoning and "the decision requires reconsideration".