Phrasal verbs "back out of" vs "get out of"

Differences between back out of and get out of

Back out of means to withdraw from a commitment or promise, while get out of means to avoid doing something that you are expected to do.

Meanings and Definitions: back out of vs get out of

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Back out of

  • 1Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.

    She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at the last minute.

  • 2Exit a parking area in reverse gear.

    She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its parking space.

Get out of

  • 1Avoid doing something you dislike.

    I said I wasn't feeling well and GOT OUT OF the extra work.

  • 2Leave a car, van, etc..

    We GOT OUT OF the taxi and paid the driver.

  • 3Stop a regular activity or habit.

    If you GET OUT OF a routine, it can be hard to start again.

  • 4Make someone confess or tell the truth.

    The police couldn't GET any information OUT OF him.

  • 5Make someone give something to you.

    Did you GET a refund OUT OF the travel agency?

  • 6Derive pleasure or benefit from something.

    She's GETTING a lot OUT OF her university course.

  • 7Help someone avoid doing something.

    I GOT him OUT OF having to work at the weekend.

Usage Examples: back out of, get out of in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

back out of

Example

He promised to help, but he backed out of it at the last minute.

Example

She always backs out of her commitments.

get out of

Example

I managed to get out of the meeting by saying I had another appointment.

Example

She always gets out of doing the dishes.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back out of

To fail to fulfill a promise or commitment.

Example

He reneged on his promise to help me move to the new apartment.

To withdraw from a situation or commitment.

Example

The company decided to pull out of the project due to financial constraints.

To decide not to attend an event or activity that was previously arranged.

Example

I had to cancel my plans to go to the concert because I got sick.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get out of

To avoid a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Example

He dodged a bullet by not investing in that company before it went bankrupt.

To avoid doing something that one is expected or required to do.

Example

He always tries to shirk responsibility by blaming others for his mistakes.

To avoid doing something by using dishonest or sneaky tactics.

Example

She tried to weasel out of paying her share of the bill by pretending she forgot her wallet.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “back”

Differences in back out of vs get out of: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: back out of or get out of?

In daily conversation, people use get out of more often than back out of. This is because get out of is used for more common situations such as avoiding chores or responsibilities. Back out of is less common and used in more specific situations such as canceling plans or breaking promises.

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

Back out of and get out of are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

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

The tone of back out of and get out of can differ based on context. Back out of often carries a sense of disappointment or betrayal when related to breaking a commitment or promise, while get out of typically has a more lighthearted or playful tone, especially when referring to avoiding a task or responsibility.

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