backing up

USAGE SUMMARY

"backing up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to providing additional evidence or support for an idea or opinion. For example, "We can back up our claims with current research studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Super Saver was backing up.

The New York Times - Sports

Shaq was backing up.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not backing up.

The New York Times - Sports

Trucks beep too loudly when backing up.

The New York Times

This made backing up a treacherous proposition.

The New York Times

Backing up files is a side benefit.

The New York Times - Tech

"Cocodrilo!" they shout, backing up.

The New York Times

"No!" says Star, backing up.

The New York Times - Style

Pettitte was backing up home.

The New York Times - Sports

Then backing up, Caro backing up to take a run at the water.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"My forte was backing-up," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether "backing up" refers to providing support, reversing direction, or creating a backup copy.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the meaning of "backing up" is clear from the surrounding text. If necessary, rephrase to specify the intended meaning (e.g., "providing support" instead of just "backing up").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "backing up" is that of a gerund or present participle, functioning as a verb within a sentence. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, such as providing support, reversing direction, or creating backups. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

29%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backing up" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from providing support to reversing direction or creating a copy of data. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and acceptable. Its frequency in various contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, highlights its widespread use. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure context clarifies the intended meaning. When referring to support, alternatives like "supporting" or "reinforcing" can provide greater precision. Remember to consider the specific context to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting

Focuses on the act of providing assistance or reinforcement, similar to 'backing up' in some contexts.

giving support to

Emphasizes the action of providing assistance or encouragement to someone or something.

providing assistance

Highlights the act of aiding or helping, which can be a form of backing up.

reinforcing

Stresses the act of strengthening or confirming something, akin to backing up a claim or argument.

validating

Implies confirming the truth or accuracy of something, relating to backing up evidence.

confirming

Highlights the act of establishing the truth or correctness of something, often by providing evidence.

attesting to

Focuses on providing evidence or testimony to support something.

substantiating

Emphasizes providing evidence to prove the truth of something.

shoring up

Suggests strengthening or supporting something that is weak or failing, a more figurative sense of 'backing up'.

underpinning

Highlights the foundation or support for an idea or system, a more abstract version of backing up.

FAQs

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

"Backing up" can refer to providing support (e.g., "The team is "backing up" the new initiative"), reversing direction (e.g., "He's "backing up" the car"), or creating a copy (e.g., "I'm "backing up" my files").

What are some alternatives to "backing up" when referring to support?

When referring to support, you can use alternatives like "supporting", "reinforcing", or "validating", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "backing up" and "supporting"?

"Backing up" can imply a more active or immediate form of support, whereas "supporting" is a broader term that can encompass various forms of assistance or endorsement.

Is it always clear what "backing up" means in different situations?

No, the meaning of "backing up" can vary depending on the context. It's important to ensure clarity by providing sufficient context or using more specific alternatives when necessary. Consider using other words like "reverse" or "copy" if you are not talking about support.