backed away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"backed away from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of someone retreating, or moving away from a person or thing. For example, "She backed away from the angry dog in fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Manuel backed away from that.

The New York Times - Sports

We backed away from those dark days.

The New Yorker

Lindsey never backed away from it".

The New Yorker

Eastin never backed away from competition.

The New York Times

The brothers backed away from the bed.

The New Yorker

Officials, however, backed away from that threat.

The New York Times

People haven't backed away from that.

The New York Times - Arts

They backed away from the mob.

The Washington Post

Now, CMS has quietly backed away from that agreement.

Harvard University

She twice backed away from the putt before striking it.

The New York Times - Sports

They have backed away from past proposals to simplify them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backed away from" to indicate a deliberate retreat from a previous position, agreement, or commitment. It suggests a conscious decision to distance oneself.

Common error

Avoid using "backed away from" when a more specific term like "retracted", "reneged", or "recanted" would more accurately convey the nature of the retreat or change of position. Choosing the right term adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backed away from" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a deliberate withdrawal or retreat from a previously held position, commitment, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backed away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a deliberate retreat or withdrawal from a previous position, commitment, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. While synonymous with phrases like "retreated from" and "stepped back from", it's important to choose the most precise term depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse and considering more specific alternatives when appropriate will enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backed off from

A more informal and colloquial alternative, directly synonymous with "backed away from".

stepped back from

Indicates a deliberate distancing, often to reassess or avoid involvement. Similar to "backed away from" but emphasizes the intentional aspect.

retreated from

Implies a physical or metaphorical withdrawal, similar to "backed away from" but can suggest a more strategic or planned retreat.

distanced oneself from

Highlights the act of creating emotional or social distance. More about severing ties than a simple change of position.

withdrew from

Suggests a formal or official removal from something, like an agreement or organization. More formal than "backed away from".

retracted

Implies taking back a statement or claim, often due to it being false or misleading. More specific to verbal or written assertions.

reneged on

Implies a broken promise or agreement. Carries a stronger connotation of betrayal or unreliability than "backed away from".

reversed course on

Indicates a change of direction or policy. It's more specific to strategies and plans.

recanted

Means to formally withdraw a statement or belief, often under pressure. More specific and formal than "backed away from".

abandoned

Suggests a complete and often abrupt departure from something, leaving it behind. Can imply a sense of irresponsibility or neglect.

FAQs

How can I use "backed away from" in a sentence?

You can use "backed away from" to show that someone has withdrawn from a commitment or position, such as, "The company "backed away from" the deal due to financial concerns."

What are some alternatives to "backed away from"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "retreated from", "withdrew from", or "stepped back from".

Is there a difference between "backed away from" and "backed off from"?

"Backed off from" is a more informal synonym for "backed away from". Both phrases suggest a retreat from a position or commitment. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "backed away from"?

Avoid using "backed away from" when a more precise term like "recanted" (for withdrawing a statement) or "reneged on" (for breaking a promise) would be more accurate and descriptive.