back off

USAGE SUMMARY

"back off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used in an informal context, to tell someone to 'back off' or to stop harassing or annoying them. For example: "John, please back off. I need some space right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Shouldn't he back off?

The New York Times

Back off, Mister.

The New Yorker

Hey, back off!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blair should back off.

The Washington Post

And nobody will back off"..

The New Yorker

He knocked it back off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

output back-off.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

input back-off.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

2: initializes the back-off value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

back-off N-gram language model.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Standard back-off n-gram language model.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back off" to tell someone to stop being aggressive, intrusive, or annoying. It's a direct and often informal way to set boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "back off" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more polite alternatives like "withdraw" or "reconsider" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "back off" is a phrasal verb that acts as an imperative. It is used to directly instruct someone to retreat, disengage, or cease an action. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

6%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back off" is a common phrasal verb used to tell someone to stop being aggressive, intrusive, or annoying. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While "back off" is suitable for informal contexts, it should be avoided in more formal or professional settings, where alternatives like "withdraw" or "reconsider" are more appropriate. When using "back off", be mindful of the register and choose more polite expressions depending on the context to prevent causing offence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw

Implies a more formal or complete removal from a situation.

retreat

Suggests a strategic withdrawal, often in response to pressure or opposition.

stand down

Indicates a cessation of activity or alert status, often in a military or law enforcement context.

leave alone

Focuses on ceasing interaction or interference with someone or something.

lay off

Suggests stopping the harassment or pressure of someone.

cease and desist

A formal legal term indicating a stop to prohibited activities.

disengage

Implies a detachment or separation from involvement.

pull back

Suggests a more physical or tactical withdrawal.

give space

Highlights the act of providing distance or privacy to someone.

de-escalate

Focuses on reducing the intensity of a conflict or tense situation.

FAQs

How to use "back off" in a sentence?

You can use "back off" to tell someone to stop being intrusive or aggressive. For example, "Hey, "back off", I need some space!"

What can I say instead of "back off"?

You can use alternatives like "withdraw", "retreat", or "leave alone" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "back off"?

"Back off" is appropriate in informal settings where you want to assertively tell someone to stop bothering you or to respect your boundaries. It's less suitable for formal or professional communication.

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

"Back off" is generally used in personal interactions to tell someone to stop being intrusive. "Stand down" typically refers to a military or law enforcement context, indicating a cessation of activity.