I retract my statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I retract my statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to formally withdraw or take back something you previously said or declared. Example: "After further consideration, I retract my statement regarding the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was tacky and I retract my statements.

The Guardian - Music

Remember last time I'd mentioned that I loved the snip and slip method of collecting tissue…well, I may retract my statement.

Cornell University

I still remain firm in my conviction that matter X is a dangerous menace to society and I retract my apology over that statement, although I still defend your right to speak your own mind about it".

WikiHow

I would like to avoid any further drama by just categorically retracting my statements out of respect.

The Guardian - Music

Cox, who claims he was punished after taking a bottle of water from Corgan's rider, is now "categorically retracting my statements out of respect".

The Guardian - Music

On the eve of the book's publication, another typed statement bearing Harper Lee's signature went forth: "Neither my attorney nor I have retracted my original statement.

The New Yorker

I retract the statement "It seems red to me" and instead I assert "I believe that this book is red". Is this statement true or false?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Okay, I retract that statement, because I tried their other flavors and they're good.

Huffington Post

I now retract that statement.

BBC

"To the fullest extent possible, on behalf of UBS PaineWebber, I hereby retract Mr. Wu's statements," he wrote.

The New York Times

I demand that she retract her statement immediately, lest I be forced to enlist in a Dick Armey style politics".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I retract my statement" when you need to formally withdraw something you've said, especially in professional or public contexts. It conveys a clear and direct message that you no longer stand by your previous words.

Common error

Avoid using "I retract my statement" in informal conversations. It sounds overly formal and can come across as insincere. Opt for simpler phrases like "I take that back" or "I didn't mean that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I retract my statement" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it accomplishes the act of retraction. It's a declaration indicating the speaker's withdrawal of a previously made assertion, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I retract my statement" is a phrase used to formally withdraw a previous assertion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and most suitable for professional contexts, although it also appears in news and academic settings. Alternatives include "I withdraw my statement" and "I take back what I said", with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, be mindful of its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the context of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I withdraw my statement

Directly replaces 'retract' with 'withdraw', keeping the sentence structure identical.

I want to retract my statement

Adds "I want to" to express the desire to retract something.

I hereby retract my statement

Adds 'hereby' to emphasize the formality and official nature of the retraction.

Let me retract my statement

Adds "Let me" for an introductory way to retract the statement.

I take back what I said

Replaces the formal 'statement' with the more conversational 'what I said'.

I wish to retract my statement

Replaces "want" with "wish" making it sound more formal.

I rescind my statement

Uses 'rescind', which means to revoke or cancel, maintaining a formal tone.

I disavow my previous statement

Uses the more formal 'disavow' to express a strong rejection of the prior statement.

I invalidate my declaration

Replaces 'statement' with 'declaration' and uses 'invalidate' for a formal tone.

My statement is null and void

Declares the statement as having no legal or binding force.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "I retract my statement"?

It is appropriate to use "I retract my statement" in formal situations, such as legal proceedings, official reports, or public announcements, where you need to formally withdraw a previous assertion. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What does it mean to "retract" a statement?

To "retract" a statement means to formally withdraw or take back something you previously said or declared. It implies that you no longer believe the statement to be accurate or valid.

Which is more formal, "I retract my statement" or "I take back what I said"?

"I retract my statement" is more formal. "I take back what I said" is a more casual and conversational way to express that you are withdrawing a previous statement.

What are some alternatives to "I retract my statement"?

You can use alternatives like "I withdraw my statement", "I take back what I said", or "I disavow my previous statement" depending on the context and level of formality.