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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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backed up

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backed up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been confirmed or confirmed and supported by evidence or other facts. For example, "His story was backed up by the testimony of several witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The car backed up.

News & Media

The New York Times

The President backed up.

News & Media

The New Yorker

We're just very backed up".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Then the toilet backed up.

News & Media

The New York Times

High tides backed up sewers.

News & Media

The New York Times

Traffic backed up; horns blared.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Jack backed up a step.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We keep backing up and backing up.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

You stand back up.

News & Media

The New York Times

Teixeira gets back up.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Alvarez gets back up.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data, clarify the frequency of backups (e.g., daily, weekly) to ensure clarity and convey the level of data protection.

Common error

Avoid using "backed up" interchangeably across its different meanings. Be clear whether you're discussing data storage, traffic congestion, or providing support to a claim.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backed up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. Its function varies depending on context, acting as a passive verb when describing data storage or traffic, and as an active verb when describing support or endorsement, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "backed up" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings depending on the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It commonly appears in contexts related to news, science, and business, signifying data preservation, congestion, or support. When using "backed up", ensure clarity by specifying the context (data, traffic, or support) to avoid ambiguity. Remember to clarify the frequency of data backups when relevant.

FAQs

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

The phrase "backed up" can be used in various contexts. For instance, "My computer files are "saved" daily" or "Traffic was "congested" due to the accident" or "The witness "supported" his statement".

What are some alternatives to saying "backed up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "supported", "congested", or "saved".

Is it correct to say something is "backed up"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Backed up" is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including providing support, experiencing congestion, or having data saved.

How does the meaning of "backed up" change based on the context?

The meaning of "backed up" varies. In the context of data, it means "saved" or archived. When referring to traffic, it means "congested" or blocked. In terms of support, it means "supported" or validated.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: