I take it back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I take it back" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when a person wants to retract or correct something they have previously said. Example: "I said that Sarah was mean, but now that I've gotten to know her better, I take it back. She's actually really kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

So I take it back.

The New York Times

So, why would I take it back?

Independent

Well, I take it back.

The Guardian

"I take it back, I apologise.

The Guardian - Film

If it's not, I take it back".

The Guardian

Update: I take it back about those snap polls.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I took it back to seventh grade".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously, she had taken it, so I took it back.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I took it back to London and began researching it".

The New York Times - Arts

I took it back and said it was absolutely outrageous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then I took it back to the pond and, after a brief primer on pedestrian safety, set it free.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I take it back", briefly explain why you are retracting the statement to maintain clarity and sincerity.

Common error

Avoid frequently using "I take it back" without providing a clear reason. Overuse can undermine your credibility and make you appear indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I take it back" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying the phrase accomplishes the action of retracting a previous statement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I take it back" is a commonly used phrase to retract a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously and provide context for the retraction. More formal alternatives exist for specific situations. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news and media, highlighting its relevance in contemporary communication. Its function is primarily to correct and clarify, ensuring accuracy in conveying information or opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I retract that statement

More formal and direct in its retraction.

I take back what I said

Similar meaning, emphasizes the act of speaking.

I withdraw my comment

Suitable for formal situations and written communication.

I was wrong about that

Admits error explicitly.

I misspoke

Suggests the statement was unintentional.

That's not what I meant to say

Indicates a clarification of original intent.

Let me rephrase that

Focuses on correcting the expression rather than admitting error.

I apologize for that statement

Introduces an element of apology.

Scratch that

Informal way to indicate something should be disregarded.

I didn't mean that

Suggests the statement was unintentional and regrettable.

FAQs

How do you use "I take it back" in a sentence?

You can use "I take it back" when you want to retract something you previously said. For example, "I thought the movie was boring, but "I take it back" after seeing the ending".

What can I say instead of "I take it back"?

You can use alternatives like "I retract that statement", "I was wrong about that", or "I withdraw my comment" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "I take it back" in formal writing?

While "I take it back" is commonly used, it might be too informal for very formal writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "I retract my statement" or "I withdraw my previous assertion".

When should I apologize after saying "I take it back"?

If your initial statement caused offense or harm, it's a good practice to apologize even after retracting it. For example, ""I take it back"; I didn't mean to be insensitive, and I apologize".