back down

USAGE SUMMARY

"back down" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It typically means to retract a previously stated opinion or position. For example, "The president refused to back down on his position despite pressure from both sides of the aisle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nobody should back down.

The New York Times - Sports

She won't back down".

The New Yorker

But can they back down?

Independent

Then he whooshes back down.

The New Yorker

Michael sent him back down.

The New York Times - Magazine

Don't back down from confrontation.

The New Yorker

BACK down, or shut down?

The Economist

I fell back down again.

Independent

Finally he would back down.

The New Yorker

Quitting brings it back down.

Harvard University

Stringer takes him back down.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back down" when you want to convey a deliberate retreat from a previously held position, often in the face of opposition or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "back down" when a more appropriate term might be "compromise" or "negotiate". "Back down" often carries a connotation of yielding due to pressure, rather than reaching a mutually agreeable solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "back down" primarily functions as a verb indicating a change in stance, often implying a retreat or concession. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used in English. For example, "He had to back down" shows it acting as the main verb.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

33%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back down" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to retract a previously held position, often due to pressure or opposition. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and also in wikis. While versatile, it's important to consider the connotation of conceding under duress, as emphasized in the writing guidance. When seeking alternatives, consider nuances such as complete surrender ("yield") or deliberate withdrawal ("withdraw"). Overall, "back down" is a valuable term with well-defined usage, making it essential to understand its implications in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back off

Suggests reducing involvement or pressure, often in a confrontational situation.

climb down

Specifically refers to abandoning a previously held position, often after facing opposition.

concede

Implies admitting defeat or acknowledging the validity of an opposing viewpoint.

give way

Implies yielding to pressure or force, often reluctantly.

yield

Suggests a complete surrender or giving way to pressure.

retract

Involves formally taking back a statement or claim.

withdraw

Indicates a deliberate removal of oneself or one's forces from a situation.

recede

Suggests a gradual retreat or diminishing of importance.

eat humble pie

Idiomatic expression for admitting one's mistake and apologizing.

cry uncle

An informal idiom for admitting defeat or surrendering.

FAQs

How to use "back down" in a sentence?

You can use "back down" to indicate that someone is retracting a position or argument, for example: "The company decided to "back down" from its initial proposal after facing criticism".

What's the difference between "back down" and "back off"?

"Back down" often implies conceding a point or argument, while "back off" suggests reducing pressure or involvement in a situation.

What can I say instead of "back down"?

You can use alternatives like "yield", "concede", or "withdraw" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "back down"?

It's appropriate to use "back down" when someone retreats from a position they previously held, especially when facing opposition, criticism, or difficulty. It suggests they are no longer pursuing that particular course of action or argument.