What does the phrasal verb “back into” mean?

What are the definitions of “back into”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Enter a parking area in reverse gear.

  He prefers to BACK his car INTO the garage.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “back into”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb back into is to enter a parking area or a space in reverse gear, usually with a vehicle. It means to drive a car or another vehicle backward into a specific location.

What are the different verb forms of “back into”?

Root Verb	back into
Third Person Singular Present	backs into
Present Participle	backing into
Simple Past	backed into
Past Participle	backed into

Example

She always backs into the parking spot at work.

Example

He backs into the driveway every morning.

Example

She is backing into the garage right now.

Example

Yesterday, he backed into the parking space perfectly.

Example

The car had been backed into the tight spot.

What kind of phrasal verb is “back into”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“back into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She backed the car into the garage.

Example

He backed into the parking space.

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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 into” 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

She backed the car into the garage.

Example

He backed into the parking space.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “back into”?

Back into a corner

To force someone into a difficult situation where they have limited options.

Example

He felt backed into a corner and had no choice but to accept the deal.

Back into something

To become involved in a situation unintentionally or by accident.

Example

She backed into the conversation without realizing it was a private matter.

Good things to know

Does “back into” have an informal or formal tone?

Back into 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 in written instructions or reports.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “back into”?

Synonyms

• reverse into
• drive backward into
• retreat into

Antonyms

• drive forward into
• pull into
• enter forward