back up

USAGE SUMMARY

"back up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean "to support or strengthen," "to reinforce," or "to move backward." For example: "The government will back up the decision with extra resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

You stand back up.

The New York Times

I'm back up 68%.

Forbes

Teixeira gets back up.

Los Angeles Times

Alvarez gets back up.

Los Angeles Times

Brown gets back up.

Los Angeles Times

Back up, back up, and back up!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Back-up heater.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Back-up with iCloud.

WikiHow

Bring back-up clothes.

WikiHow

Enjoy singing back-up.

WikiHow

Back-up your data.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back up" to mean 'support', ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported. For example, "The data backs up his claims."

Common error

Avoid using "back up" interchangeably for all forms of support. It often implies providing concrete evidence or tangible assistance, not just agreement. For example, instead of saying "I back up your idea" consider "I support your idea" if you are not providing direct assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "back up" functions as a versatile term. Ludwig AI shows it is often used to describe providing support, creating a copy, or moving in reverse. It modifies a wide variety of verbs in order to convey multiple meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "back up" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, including 'to support', 'to create a copy', or 'to move in reverse'. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in both formal and informal contexts, particularly within Wiki and News & Media sources. When using "back up", consider the intended meaning and choose the best synonym or phrase if greater clarity is needed. Ensure you are consistent with the way you phrase your sentence to not confuse the user.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a backup

More explicit reference to creating a safeguard.

support

This alternative emphasizes providing assistance or reinforcement to something or someone.

validate

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

verify

Stresses the act of confirming something's correctness through investigation.

uphold

Emphasizes maintaining or defending something.

move backward

This refers specifically to physical movement in reverse.

give assistance

Highlights providing help or aid.

endorse

Focuses on publicly supporting or approving.

make a copy

Refers to creating a duplicate of data for safekeeping.

retreat

Implies withdrawing or moving away from a position.

FAQs

How can I use "back up" in a sentence?

The phrasal verb "back up" has multiple meanings. You can use it to mean 'to support', as in, "The evidence backs up his statement". It can also mean 'to create a copy', as in, "Remember to back up your files regularly". Additionally, it can refer to physically moving backwards.

What are some alternatives to "back up" when it means 'to support'?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "support", "validate", or "confirm" instead of "back up".

When should I use "back up" versus "support"?

"Back up" typically implies providing evidence or tangible help to strengthen a claim or action. "Support" is a broader term that can mean agreement or general assistance without necessarily providing concrete evidence.

What is the difference between "back up" and "create a backup" in the context of data?

"Back up" is the phrasal verb, while "create a backup" is a more explicit noun phrase. Both refer to making a copy of data for safekeeping, but "create a backup" might be used when referring to the action more formally.