backed down

USAGE SUMMARY

"backed down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that someone has withdrawn from a position or decided not to do something. For example, "When the protesters demanded he resign, the leader quickly backed down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they backed down".

Independent

Her people backed down.

The New York Times

I backed down.

The New York Times

The administration backed down.

The New York Times

It eventually backed down.

The Economist

The lawmakers backed down.

The New Yorker

O.M.B. backed down".

The New York Times

The Government backed down.

The New York Times

May then backed down.

The Guardian

(The N.F.L. backed down, sort of).

The New Yorker

In a few hours, Hungary backed down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backed down" when you want to convey that someone or some entity retreated from a previous position, demand, or course of action, often due to pressure or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "backed down" when describing a temporary pause or strategic regrouping that doesn't necessarily indicate a complete abandonment of the original goal or position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backed down" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of retreating or withdrawing from a position, argument, or demand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, exemplified by sentences where individuals or entities concede under pressure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backed down" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb that indicates a retreat from a previous position or stance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. When using "backed down", ensure it accurately reflects a yielding or relenting action and isn't mistaken for a mere pause or strategic regrouping. Alternatives such as "retreated", "yielded", and "withdrew" offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backed off

Similar to "backed down", emphasizing a reduction in involvement or pressure.

withdrew

Signifies taking back a statement, proposal, or action.

retreated

Implies a strategic withdrawal from a contested position or argument.

relented

Indicates softening a stance or becoming more lenient.

yielded

Suggests giving way to pressure or demands.

gave way

Suggests collapsing under pressure or ceasing to resist.

conceded

Indicates admitting defeat or acknowledging the validity of an opposing viewpoint.

caved in

Informal expression for succumbing to pressure or demands.

capitulated

Implies surrendering or giving in completely, often after resistance.

recanted

Signifies formally withdrawing or disavowing a previously held belief or statement.

FAQs

How can I use "backed down" in a sentence?

"Backed down" is a phrasal verb used to describe someone who withdraws from a position or argument. For example: "The company "backed down" after facing public criticism".

What are some alternatives to "backed down"?

You can use alternatives like "retreated", "yielded", or "withdrew" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "back down from" instead of "backed down"?

While "back down" is often used alone, you can also say "back down from" to specify what someone is retreating from. For example, "He "backed down from" his initial demands".

What's the difference between "backed down" and "backed off"?

"Backed down" typically implies a more complete retreat from a position, while "backed off" can suggest a more temporary or partial withdrawal. The nuance depends on the context.