Phrasal verbs "row back" vs "turn back"

Differences between row back and turn back

Row back means to retract or reverse a previous statement or decision, while turn back means to go back in the opposite direction.

Meanings and Definitions: row back vs turn back

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Row back

  • 1Retreat from a position.

    The prime minister refused to ROW BACK and lost the vote.

Turn back

  • 1Return to a previous position or place.

    After realising that they had been walking for too long, they asked other walkers for directions and turned back to reach the pupils.

  • 2Return or go back.

    Bad weather forced them to turn back.

Usage Examples: row back, turn back in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

row back

Example

The politician decided to row back on his controversial statement.

Example

She rows back on her decision after receiving negative feedback.

turn back

Example

When we realized we were lost, we decided to turn back.

Example

She turns back when she notices she forgot her wallet at home.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Row back

To retract or withdraw a previous statement or decision.

Example

After realizing his mistake, he decided to take back his earlier statement and apologize.

To retract or reverse a previous statement or decision, often due to criticism or negative feedback.

Example

After facing backlash, the company had to backpedal on their controversial marketing campaign.

To think again about a decision or opinion, often with the possibility of changing it.

Example

After hearing all the arguments, she decided to reconsider her position on the issue.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn back

To return to a previous location or position.

Example

She realized she forgot her phone at home and had to go back to get it.

To move back or withdraw from a position or situation.

Example

The soldiers had to retreat when they realized they were outnumbered.

retrace one's steps

To go back along the same path or route that was previously taken.

Example

After getting lost, they had to retrace their steps to find their way back.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “turn”

Differences in row back vs turn back: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: row back or turn back?

In daily conversation, people use turn back more often than row back. This is because turn back is used for more common situations such as when someone realizes they forgot something at home and need to go back. Row back is not used as much. It's mainly used in formal settings such as politics or business when someone needs to retract a statement or decision. So, while both phrases are used, turn back is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of row back and turn back

Row back and turn back are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, row back can also be used in more formal settings such as politics or business when someone needs to retract a statement or decision. In these contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of row back and turn back

The tone of row back and turn back can differ based on context. Row back often carries a regretful or apologetic tone when related to retracting a statement or decision, while turn back typically has a practical and urgent tone, especially when referring to going back to retrieve something or change course.

row back & turn back: Synonyms and Antonyms

Turn back

Antonyms

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