All phrasal verbs

back

/bæk/3 phrasal verbs

The plain verb means to move backwards, or to support.

Three verbs, three very different meanings. Back up = support, reverse a car, or make a copy of data. Back down = withdraw from a position in an argument. Back off = stop pressuring someone — often said as a warning.

Side by side

Every BACK phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.

Phrasal verbMeansHow to remember it
back upSeparable3 meaningssupport someone; reverse a vehicle; copy dataUP = you stand behind them, or the file is duplicated.
back downNo objectwithdraw from a position in a disputeDOWN = you lower your claim.
back offNo objectretreat; stop pressuring someoneOFF = break contact — often a warning.
Phrasal verbs with BACK — what each one means