backtrack on a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backtrack on a decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone changes their mind or reverses a previous decision or stance. Example: "After much consideration, the committee decided to backtrack on a decision regarding the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The premier admitted the government had "got it wrong" when he backtracked on a decision to ban greyhound racing in NSW in October.

The Guardian

Rachel L. Swarns (NYT) THE AMERICAS CANADA: BACKTRACKING ON MOUNTAIN -- Bowing to western pressure, the government is backtracking on a decision to rename the nation's highest peak, Mount Logan, after Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the former prime minister who died on Sept. 28.

The New York Times

This isn't the first time the company backtracks on a decision that got its users and outsiders all riled up.

TechCrunch

Under pressure from the Obama administration, the Bank announced yesterday that it has backtracked on a decision to reject financing for a massive coal mine and refinery in India.

Huffington Post

Aol has backtracked on a controversial decision to delay employee 401K matching until the end of the year, a decision that could potentially cost employees like myself thousands of dollars.

TechCrunch

Facing an onslaught of global criticism from environmental groups and even the United Nations, China has backtracked on an October decision to legalize the use of rhinoceros horn and tiger bone in traditional medicine and medical research.

Huffington Post

This week, he started to backtrack on the decision to axe the £13m grant received by the Booktrust charity (a cut that was to pay for a previous U-turn on school sports provision).

The Guardian

Fox News said the Republican frontrunner spoke three times on the phone with its top executive, Roger Ailes, and offered to backtrack on his decision not to appear at the debate if the network agreed to pay $5m to charity.

The Guardian

David Cameron has "snubbed millions of students" after failing to respond to a letter from Martin Lewis, in which the money expert called on the Prime Minister to rethink the Tories' decision to backtrack on a loan promise which will see students forced to pay back more each year.

Independent

When the Democratic National Committee's decision to backtrack on a ban on fossil-fuel corporate donations in August, the party's rift on climate change became apparent.

Huffington Post

If the president wanted to avoid an embarrassing scene, he'd have to strike a deal and backtrack on the Exim decision.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "backtrack on a decision", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the original decision was and why the change is occurring. This provides clarity and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "backtrack on a decision" without providing sufficient background information about the decision itself. This can leave the reader confused about the subject of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backtrack on a decision" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of reversing or changing a previously made decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backtrack on a decision" is a valid and understandable expression used to describe the reversal or alteration of a previously made decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound, though the available data indicates its usage frequency is currently missing. The phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, commonly appearing in news and business discussions. Related phrases include "reverse a decision" and "rescind a decision". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context about the original decision and the reasons for the change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse a decision

Directly indicates the act of overturning or changing a previous decision.

go back on a decision

A common and easily understood way to describe reversing a decision.

rescind a decision

Implies a formal withdrawal or cancellation of a decision.

retract a decision

Suggests taking back a decision, often due to it being incorrect or inappropriate.

withdraw a decision

Similar to rescind, but can also imply a more voluntary removal of a decision.

overturn a decision

Implies that a decision is officially reversed by a higher authority.

take back a decision

A more informal way of saying retract a decision.

nullify a decision

To render a decision invalid or without legal force.

renege on a decision

Suggests failing to honor a commitment to a decision.

reconsider a decision

Suggests a renewed evaluation of a prior decision, potentially leading to a change.

FAQs

How can I use "backtrack on a decision" in a sentence?

You can use "backtrack on a decision" to indicate that someone has reversed or changed a prior decision. For example: "The company decided to "backtrack on a decision" to close the plant after public outcry."

What is an alternative to "backtrack on a decision"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reverse a decision", "rescind a decision", or "withdraw a decision", depending on the formality and context.

Is it better to say "backtrack on a decision" or "reverse a decision"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings, but "reverse a decision" might sound more formal, while ""backtrack on a decision"" can imply a more hesitant or reluctant change.

What does it mean when someone "backtracks"?

When someone backtracks, it means they are retreating from a previous position or reversing a prior decision. This often happens when new information comes to light or when the initial decision proves to be unpopular or ineffective.