Phrasal verbs "back out" vs "back up"

Differences between back out and back up

Back out means to withdraw from a commitment or promise, while back up means to provide support or evidence for something.

Meanings and Definitions: back out vs back up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Back out

  • 1Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.

    He BACKED OUT two days before the holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister.

Back up

  • 1Make a copy of computer data.

    You should always BACK UP important wrong with the hardware.

  • 2Support.

    The rest of the staff BACKED her UP when she complained about working conditions.

  • 3Drive a vehicle backwards.

    Tom BACKED UP without looking and ran over his laptop.

Usage Examples: back out, back up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

back out

Example

She promised to help me, but she backed out at the last minute.

Example

He always backs out of plans at the last minute.

back up

Example

I always back up my computer files every week.

Example

She backs up her phone data to the cloud.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back out

To withdraw from a commitment or agreement.

Example

He decided to pull out of the project at the last minute, leaving the team in a difficult situation.

To fail to fulfill a promise or commitment.

Example

She reneged on her promise to help with the charity event, leaving the organizers short-handed.

opt-out

To choose not to participate in something.

Example

If you don't want to receive promotional emails, you can opt-out by clicking on the unsubscribe link.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back up

To provide assistance or help to someone or something.

Example

I will support you in your decision to start your own business.

To confirm or give support to a statement or theory.

Example

The witness's testimony corroborated the victim's account of the crime.

To provide evidence or proof for a claim or argument.

Example

The research findings substantiate the need for more investment in renewable energy sources.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in back out vs back up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: back out or back up?

In everyday conversation, back up is more commonly used than back out. This is because back up can be used in various situations, such as supporting an argument or providing assistance, while back out is only used when someone withdraws from a commitment or promise. However, both phrases are still used in daily conversations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of back out and back up

Back up and back out are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, back up can also be used in formal settings such as business or academic contexts when providing evidence or support for an argument.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of back out and back up

The tone of back up and back out can differ based on context. Back up often carries a supportive or helpful tone, while back out typically has a negative or disappointing tone.

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