What are the definitions of “back off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Retreat.
The police told the protesters to BACK OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “back off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb back off is to move away from something or someone, often to give them space or to stop bothering them. It can also mean to retreat or withdraw from a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “back off”?
| Root Verb | back off |
| Third Person Singular Present | backs off |
| Present Participle | backing off |
| Simple Past | backed off |
| Past Participle | backed off |
Example
When the dog started barking, I decided to back off.
Example
She backs off when she realizes she's getting too close.
Example
He is backing off from the argument to avoid further conflict.
Example
The protesters backed off when the police arrived.
Example
He had backed off from the situation to avoid making it worse.
What kind of phrasal verb is “back off”?
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 off” 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 off when the security guards arrived.
Example
She backed off when she realized she was too close to the edge.
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 off” 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 off when the security guards arrived.
Example
She backed off when she realized she was too close to the edge.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “back off”?
To withdraw or distance oneself from a promise or obligation.
Example
He backed off from the project when he realized it would take too much time.
To avoid or retreat from a conflict or argument.
Example
She backed off from the confrontation to keep the peace.
Good things to know
Does “back off” have an informal or formal tone?
Back off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'withdraw,' 'retreat,' or 'distance oneself' may be more appropriate.
