back out

USAGE SUMMARY

"back out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase "back out" when you no longer want to take part in something or when you have to cancel a plan or an agreement you made. Example: "He decided to back out of the deal because he was not happy with the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You go back out.

The New York Times - Sports

Get back out there.

The Guardian

Come back out.

The New Yorker

Pettitte is back out for the Yankees.

The New York Times

I'm not going to back out".

The New York Times

She went back out on the brig.

The New Yorker

Psychologically, you couldn't go back out".

Independent

It goes back out, don'tcha know?

The New Yorker

Back out to the landing.

The New Yorker

D.R.: Why'd you back out?

The New Yorker

You can still back out".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back out" when you want to convey the idea of withdrawing from a commitment or agreement, whether due to changing circumstances, loss of interest, or other reasons. Make sure the context clearly indicates what is being withdrawn from.

Common error

Avoid using "back out" to describe literal physical movement in reverse. Instead, use "reverse" or "back up" for describing the movement of a vehicle, for example.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "back out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of withdrawing from a commitment or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. Examples demonstrate its application in various contexts, from personal decisions to business deals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "back out" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to withdraw from a commitment or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid confusing it with literal physical movement. Alternatives such as "withdraw" or "pull out" can be used depending on the desired nuance. As the analysis reveals, "back out" is commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science, indicating its widespread applicability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull out

Similar to "back out", emphasizing the act of removing oneself from involvement.

withdraw

Focuses on the act of taking oneself out of an agreement or situation.

chicken out

Informal term for backing out due to fear or cowardice.

back away

Similar to "back out", but can also imply a physical retreat from a dangerous situation.

retreat

Implies a strategic withdrawal, often to avoid conflict or difficulty.

bow out

Implies a graceful or formal withdrawal from a situation.

renege

Suggests a broken promise or failure to fulfill an obligation.

step down

Indicates resigning or leaving a position or role.

recant

Implies formally withdrawing a statement or belief.

abandon

Focuses on leaving or deserting a plan or commitment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "back out" of something?

To "back out" means to withdraw from a commitment, agreement, or plan. It implies deciding not to proceed with something you had previously agreed to do.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "back out"?

Use "back out" when you want to express the act of withdrawing from something. For example, "He decided to "withdraw" from the project due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternative ways to say "back out"?

Alternatives include "pull out", "withdraw", "renege", or "chicken out" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "back out" formal or informal?

"Back out" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "chicken out" are more informal.