back out of

USAGE SUMMARY

"back out of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to withdraw or cancel from a commitment or agreement. Example: After signing the contract, the company tried to back out of the deal due to financial constraints.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, he allowed the Knicks and Thomas to gracefully back out of the formal arrangement.

The New York Times

Others may back out of such relationship.

BMC Public Health

I usually back out of ceremonies.

The Guardian

He went back out of desperation.

The Guardian

"I didn't back out of anything.

The New York Times - Sports

"They never back out of the deal.

The New York Times - Tech

"I went back out of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"People can't back out of their driveways".

The New York Times

Mingus leaned back, out of breath.

The New Yorker

The troops step back, out of the video frame.

The New York Times

Undigested residue passes back out of the mouth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back out of" when you want to clearly communicate the act of withdrawing from a previously agreed-upon arrangement or commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "back out of" when simply changing your mind without a formal agreement. Use other phrases like "reconsider" or "change plans" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "back out of" functions as a dynamic verb, describing the action of withdrawing from a commitment, agreement, or plan. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts, from business deals to personal relationships. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back out of" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of withdrawing from a commitment or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While applicable in various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations, it's essential to consider the ethical implications of withdrawing from an agreement. Alternatives like ""withdraw from"" or ""renege on"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull out of

Similar to "back out of" but can also imply a more physical withdrawal.

withdraw from

Focuses on the act of removing oneself from an agreement or situation.

renege on

Implies a broken promise or failure to fulfill an obligation.

opt out of

Implies a choice to not participate in something.

rescind

Suggests a formal cancellation or revocation of a decision or agreement.

bow out of

Suggests a graceful or polite withdrawal from a commitment.

retreat from

Emphasizes a movement away from a position or commitment, often due to pressure or difficulty.

abandon

Indicates a complete and often abrupt departure from something.

recant

Refers to formally taking back a statement or belief.

nullify

To make legally null and void; invalidate

FAQs

How can I use "back out of" in a sentence?

You can use "back out of" to describe withdrawing from an agreement or commitment. For example, "The company decided to "withdraw from" the deal at the last minute".

What's the difference between "back out of" and "pull out of"?

While similar, "back out of" often refers to commitments or agreements, while "pull out of" can also imply a physical withdrawal. The phrases are mostly interchangeable, but pay attention to the context. For example, one can "withdraw from" a business deal or "retreat from" a military engagement.

What can I say instead of "back out of"?

Alternatives include "renege on", "withdraw from", or "retreat from", depending on the specific context of the withdrawal.

Is it acceptable to "back out of" a verbal agreement?

While technically possible, it's generally considered unethical and can have social or professional repercussions. If you need to nullify a verbal agreement you should "withdraw from" it respectfully.