backed out

USAGE SUMMARY

"backed out" is a correct term in written English.
It can be used to refer to when someone has withdrawn from their position in a situation, often after they previously committed to it. Example: Sally had initially agreed to host the party at her house, but as the day grew closer, she backed out due to her increasing anxiety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran backed out.

The New Yorker

The second-highest bidder backed out, too.

The New York Times

But Edison backed out in 2002.

The New York Times

They backed out, to Mr. Papadopoulos's relief.

The New York Times

He backed out, gunning the engine.

The New York Times

But FX backed out, citing costs.

The New York Times

When Coburn backed out, Toomey came in.

The Washington Post

The manager produced it when the producer backed out.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Cohen backed out, and the painting has been repaired).

The New York Times - Arts

But I backed out at the last minute.

The New York Times

"I took the part and then backed out," he shrugs.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backed out" to clearly indicate a prior commitment was withdrawn. Ensure the context specifies what was being withdrawn from.

Common error

Avoid using "backed out" to describe literal, physical movements. Instead, use verbs like "reversed" or "drove back" for physical backing motions.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "backed out" functions as a predicate, indicating the action of withdrawing from a previous commitment, agreement, or plan. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used to express a change of mind or circumstance leading to the cancellation of an initial agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backed out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively communicates the action of withdrawing from a commitment or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being withdrawn from and consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative is appropriate. While generally neutral in register, awareness of its connotation is key for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdrew from

Focuses on the act of taking oneself out of an agreement or commitment; emphasizes a formal withdrawal.

pulled out of

Suggests a more abrupt or decisive exit from a plan or arrangement.

reneged on

Implies a broken promise or failure to honor a commitment.

retracted commitment

Highlights the reversal of a previously made pledge or promise.

canceled participation

Emphasizes the termination of involvement in an event or activity.

defaulted on agreement

Signifies a failure to fulfill the terms of a formal agreement.

abandoned plan

Suggests leaving a plan or project unfinished; implies a sense of desertion.

bowed out

Indicates a more graceful or voluntary withdrawal from a situation.

called off

Focuses on the cancellation of an event or planned activity.

rescinded offer

Denotes the act of taking back a previously made offer or proposal.

FAQs

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

The phrase "backed out" indicates a withdrawal from a commitment or agreement. For example: "The company "backed out" of the deal at the last minute."

What are some alternatives to saying "backed out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "withdrew from", "pulled out of", or "reneged on" instead of "backed out".

What's the difference between "backed out" and "backed away"?

"Backed out" typically refers to withdrawing from an agreement or commitment, while "backed away" usually describes a physical retreat or avoidance of a situation.

Is it formal or informal to use the phrase "backed out"?

The phrase "backed out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "retracted commitment" may be preferred in certain situations.