What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
backfiring
Example
His plan to surprise his friend backfired when she got angry instead of being happy. [backfired: past tense]
Example
The company's attempt to cut costs by reducing staff ended up backfiring as productivity decreased. [backfiring: present participle]
blowback
Example
The government's decision to increase taxes resulted in a blowback from the public. [blowback: noun]
Example
The company faced blowback from customers after they changed their return policy. [blowback: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Backfiring is more commonly used than blowback in everyday language. Backfiring is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while blowback is less common and often used in specific situations or discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between backfiring and blowback?
Both backfiring and blowback can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, backfiring is generally more casual and informal, while blowback may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with specific fields like politics or military.
