work in reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'work in reverse' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process when steps are completed in the opposite order than usual. For example, "We had to work in reverse for this project, tackling the final task first and then working our way backward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some things work in reverse.

The New York Times

Lawyers work in reverse.

The New York Times - Science

If not, it can work in reverse".

The New York Times - Sports

And it could work in reverse.

The New York Times

But it can work in reverse," Kerr said.

The Guardian - Sport

Why can't that work in reverse when the dollar weakens?

The New York Times

But might the spell also work in reverse?

The New York Times - Books

In Glee, it often feels like the writers work in reverse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(When it comes time to retrieve the vehicle, the same gadgets work in reverse).

The New York Times

But now scientists have shown that the relationship can work in reverse.

The New York Times

This perceived benefit to South Texans' life expectancy may work in reverse too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work in reverse" when describing a process that deliberately starts at the end and moves toward the beginning, or when an expected cause-and-effect relationship is flipped.

Common error

Avoid using "work in reverse" when simply describing a difficult or challenging task. The phrase specifically indicates a backward progression or inverted relationship, not just general hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work in reverse" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe a process or action that is performed in the opposite order or manner than is typical. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work in reverse" is a versatile expression used to describe processes or actions that occur in an atypical, backward, or inverted manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. Its application spans various contexts, including news reporting, scientific discussions, and business analyses, indicating its widespread acceptability. The phrase effectively communicates the idea of a process unfolding contrary to the expected sequence or an inverse relationship between elements. To avoid misuse, remember that "work in reverse" specifically implies a backward progression or inverted relationship, not merely a challenging task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse the process

Focuses on inverting an existing procedure.

operate inversely

Emphasizes the operational aspect, implying that the function happens in the opposite way.

invert the operation

Emphasizes the inversion of a specific action.

function backward

Focuses on the direction of the function, indicating a contrary sequence.

run counter to

Highlights opposition to a standard process.

proceed in the opposite direction

Stresses the directional aspect of moving against the typical flow.

move in reverse order

Specifically refers to the sequence being backward.

go against the grain

Implies acting contrary to what is conventional or expected.

turn the tables

Highlights a complete reversal of a situation or outcome.

backpedal

Implies reversing a previous action or statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "work in reverse" to describe a situation where a process is carried out in the opposite order than is typical. For example, "To solve this problem, we had to "work in reverse", starting with the final output and tracing back to the initial conditions."

What does it mean when something "works in reverse"?

When something "works in reverse", it means that a process or principle operates in the opposite direction or manner than is usually expected. This often implies an inversion of cause and effect or a backward progression through steps.

What are some alternatives to saying "work in reverse"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reverse the process", "operate inversely", or "function backward" as alternatives to "work in reverse".

Is it grammatically correct to say "works in reverse" instead of "work in reverse"?

Yes, both "works in reverse" and "work in reverse" can be grammatically correct, depending on the subject. Use "works" for singular subjects (e.g., "The mechanism works in reverse"), and use "work" for plural subjects or when using the infinitive form (e.g., "We need to work in reverse").