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Phrasal verbs "back out" vs "pull out"

Differences between back out and pull out

Back out and pull out are both phrasal verbs that mean to withdraw from a commitment or situation. However, back out is often used when someone changes their mind or cancels plans at the last minute, while pull out is more commonly used when someone removes themselves from a situation or relationship entirely.

Meanings and Definitions: back out vs pull out

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.

Pull out

  • 1Start moving ( train ).

    The train was PULLING OUT when I got there.

  • 2Move into traffic.

    The traffic was so bad that it took me ages to PULL OUT.

  • 3Withdraw.

    The project was going badly and they decided to PULL OUT.

  • 4Remove soldiers from an area.

    People want the government to PULL the troops OUT.

Usage Examples: back out, pull out 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.

pull out

Example

She had to pull out a splinter from her finger.

Example

He pulls out his wallet to pay for the meal.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back out

renege on

To fail to fulfill a promise or commitment.

Example

He reneged on his promise to help me move, leaving me to do it all by myself.

chicken out

To decide not to do something because of fear or anxiety.

Example

I was going to try bungee jumping, but I chickened out at the last minute.

flake out

To cancel plans or fail to show up without prior notice or explanation.

Example

She flaked out on our dinner date, leaving me waiting at the restaurant for an hour.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pull out

withdraw from

To remove oneself from a situation or relationship entirely.

Example

He decided to withdraw from the project after realizing it wasn't aligned with his values.

opt out

To choose not to participate in something or be involved in a situation.

Example

I decided to opt out of the company's team-building activity since I'm not comfortable with outdoor activities.

step down

To resign or relinquish a position or responsibility.

Example

The CEO announced that he would step down from his position due to health reasons.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pull”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: back out or pull out?

Both back out and pull out are commonly used in everyday conversations. However, pull out is slightly more common than back out in formal settings like business or academic contexts.

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

Both back out and pull out are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, 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 and pull out

The tone of back out and pull out can differ based on context. Back out often carries a negative connotation and can imply that someone is unreliable or untrustworthy. On the other hand, pull out can carry a neutral or even positive connotation, especially when referring to removing oneself from a harmful or dangerous situation.

back out & pull out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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