to reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to reverse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the action of turning something back to its original state or direction. Example: "In order to fix the error, we need to reverse the changes made to the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to reverse it.

The New Yorker

argued to reverse that ruling.

The New Yorker

Islamists want to reverse that.

The Economist

It's going to reverse.

Harvard Business Review

New Labor did little to reverse this.

The New York Times - Magazine

This will be very hard to reverse.

The Economist

He faces growing pressure to reverse course.

The New York Times

That caused Mr. Bopp to reverse course.

The New York Times

Menezes tries to reverse the trend.

The New York Times - Sports

"My idea is to reverse that trend".

The New Yorker

I want to reverse Citizens United".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to reverse", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being turned back or undone. For instance, "to reverse a decision" is more specific than simply "to reverse".

Common error

Avoid using "to reverse" when a more specific verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "to reverse the effect", consider using "to negate the effect" if the goal is to completely cancel it out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to reverse" primarily functions as an infinitive, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of changing something to its opposite state or undoing a previous action. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to reverse" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the act of changing something to its opposite or undoing a previous action. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in diverse contexts from news and academia to more informal settings. The phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, making it a reliable choice for expressing the intention to revert or change something back. When using "to reverse", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being turned back or undone, and consider more specific verbs if a more precise meaning is required. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to undo

Focuses on negating or cancelling the effect of a previous action or decision.

to overturn

Implies a more forceful and complete reversal, often used in legal or political contexts.

to repeal

Specifically refers to the revocation or annulment of a law or regulation.

to revoke

Suggests the cancellation or withdrawal of a privilege, decree, or permission.

to invert

Emphasizes a change to the opposite position or order.

to counteract

Highlights the action of neutralizing or opposing something's effects.

to nullify

Means to make something legally void or ineffective.

to invalidate

Refers to making something no longer valid or acceptable.

to regress

Implies a return to a previous, often less developed state.

to backtrack

Suggests withdrawing from a position or statement, often due to criticism or new information.

FAQs

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

You can use "to reverse" to indicate changing something to its opposite or previous state. For example, "The company decided "to reverse its policy" due to public pressure".

What can I say instead of "to reverse"?

Alternatives to "to reverse" include "to undo", "to overturn", or "to repeal", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "to reverse" or "reversing"?

Both "to reverse" and "reversing" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "To reverse" is the infinitive form, while "reversing" is the gerund or present participle. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "to reverse" and "to invert"?

"To reverse" generally means to turn something back or undo it, while "to invert" specifically means to turn something upside down or change its order. The terms are not always interchangeable.