What are the definitions of “back away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Retreat Retreat or go backwards. or go
The crowd BACKED AWAY when the man pulled a knife.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “back away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb back away is to move backward or retreat, usually to create distance from something or someone. For example, it can mean moving away from a dangerous situation or creating space between two people.
What are the different verb forms of “back away”?
| Root Verb | back away |
| Third Person Singular Present | backs away |
| Present Participle | backing away |
| Simple Past | backed away |
| Past Participle | backed away |
Example
When the dog started barking, I backed away slowly.
Example
She backs away when she sees a spider.
Example
He is backing away from the edge of the cliff.
Example
The cat backed away when the vacuum cleaner started.
Example
He had backed away from the argument to avoid conflict.
What kind of phrasal verb is “back away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“back away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The crowd backed away when the man pulled a knife.
Example
She backed away from the angry dog.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“back away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The crowd backed away when the man pulled a knife.
Example
She backed away from the angry dog.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “back away”?
To withdraw or distance oneself from a commitment or promise.
Example
She backed away from the project when she realized the workload was too much.
Good things to know
Does “back away” have an informal or formal tone?
Back away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business negotiations or discussions about personal commitments.
