revert or revert back?

Avoid saying “revert back.”

The meaning of revert is to return or go back to a position, idea, habit, or practice.

So, saying “revert back” is like saying “return back” or “go back back.” The “back” is redundant here.

Here are some correct uses of the word revert:

After being off drinks for three weeks, he reverted to his old ways.

I reverted to gmail after trying out the new email service.

Note: “return back” is also incorrect.  Some examples:

I will return your book soon. (NOT “return back your book”)

We will return to Kannur on Sunday (NOT “return back to Kannur”)

Tags: Grammar, Writing Tips

Category: Common English errors

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