What are the definitions of “back out of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at the last minute.
- 2Exit a parking area in reverse gear.
She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its parking space.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “back out of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb back out of is to fail to keep an agreement or arrangement. It means that someone changes their mind or decides not to do something they had previously agreed to do.
What are the different verb forms of “back out of”?
| Root Verb | back out of |
| Third Person Singular Present | backs out of |
| Present Participle | backing out of |
| Simple Past | backed out of |
| Past Participle | backed out of |
Example
He promised to help, but he backed out of it at the last minute.
Example
She always backs out of her commitments.
Example
They are backing out of the deal because of the new terms.
Example
He backed out of the agreement when he realized the risks.
Example
She had backed out of the project due to personal reasons.
What kind of phrasal verb is “back out of”?
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 out of” 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
He backed out of the agreement.
Example
She backed out of the parking space.
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 out of” 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
He backed out of the agreement.
Example
She backed out of the parking space.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “back out of”?
Back out of a commitment
To fail to keep a promise or obligation.
Example
She backed out of her commitment to volunteer at the event.
Good things to know
Does “back out of” have an informal or formal tone?
Back out of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business negotiations or legal discussions.
