to invalidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to invalidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of nullifying or making something invalid, such as a claim, argument, or contract. Example: "The new evidence presented in court served to invalidate the defendant's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The court refused to invalidate the waiver.

The New York Times

Or trying to invalidate his right to be here".

The Guardian

Thus far, Manenti has failed to invalidate such scepticism.

The Guardian - Sport

It's almost definitely going to invalidate your security deposit.

The Guardian - Film

He wants to invalidate himself as a witness.

The New York Times

Clarence Thomas is a sure vote to invalidate the law.

The New Yorker

You can go to court to invalidate the patent.

The New York Times - Tech

The Guardian reserves the right to invalidate any surveys that are illegible, unfinished or unsuitable.

The Guardian

Both companies also will drop efforts to invalidate the other's patents.

The New York Times

After the sale, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the city, seeking to invalidate the restrictions.

The New York Times

Hynix, based in Icheon, South Korea, sued Rambus in 2000, seeking to invalidate the company's patents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to invalidate", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being invalidated and the basis for the invalidation. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to invalidate" when the situation only involves questioning or challenging something. "Invalidate" implies a complete and definitive negation, not simply a dispute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to invalidate" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically serves to indicate the intention or action of making something null, void, or without legal force. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used when discussing the act of nullifying claims, arguments, or contracts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to invalidate" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase used to express the act of making something void or ineffective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It most frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using "to invalidate", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being invalidated and the basis for that invalidation. Alternatives include "to nullify", "to void", and "to annul", each with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to nullify

Focuses on making something legally void or ineffective.

to void

Emphasizes the act of emptying or depriving something of its force.

to annul

Specifically refers to canceling or abolishing something, often a marriage or law.

to negate

Highlights the act of denying or refuting something's truth or validity.

to rescind

Implies the official cancellation of a law, contract, or order.

to overturn

Suggests reversing a decision or judgment, often in a legal context.

to discredit

Focuses on damaging the reputation or credibility of someone or something.

to refute

Emphasizes proving something to be false or wrong through evidence.

to debunk

Implies exposing the falseness of a claim or belief.

to disprove

Highlights demonstrating that something is not true or valid.

FAQs

How can I use "to invalidate" in a sentence?

Use "to invalidate" when you want to express that something is being made void or ineffective. For example, "The court's decision served to invalidate the previous ruling."

What are some alternatives to "to invalidate"?

You can use alternatives like "to nullify", "to void", or "to annul" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to invalidate" in legal writing?

In legal writing, "to invalidate" is used to describe the act of making a law, contract, or agreement legally void or unenforceable. It's crucial to use this term when something is definitively rendered without legal effect.

What's the difference between "to challenge" and "to invalidate"?

"To challenge" means to question or dispute something, while "to invalidate" means to make something officially void or without effect. A challenge may or may not lead "to invalidate" something.