backup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a copy of data or a plan that serves as a substitute in case of failure or loss. Example: "Make sure to create a backup of your important files before the system update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not for you, of course; because, as a former IT manager, I know your backup regime is this: 1) Never back up; 2) When catastrophe hits, come to me, crying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The senior military officials passed on the information to their superiors shortly after receiving it, but got no order to send backup to Chibok, half an hour's drive from the nearest battalion.

The Guardian

My husband has had backup cameras installed on my car.

The Guardian - Music

There are many options, but I hoped to make it as a freelance writer – all you really need is a laptop, a camera, internet access and online backup.

The Guardian - Travel

To avert disappointment, there are even spare tellers waiting in the wings, and a backup generator on standby in case of power cuts.

The Guardian

He had armed backup in the form of Estonian security officers nearby but they were unable to react in time because of the use of flash grenades and because their communications were jammed.

The Guardian

If such an officer is unavailable, he said, other officers on the scene should know to call and wait for backup.

The Guardian

But Gilmour gradually changed his mind, inviting McBroom-Hudson to record backup vocals last December and adding more singing since then.

The Guardian - Music

"My goal was just to be a backup singer – I never intended to be in front.

The Guardian - Music

In court documents, Sheehan argues that the officers' second entry unnecessarily escalated a volatile situation and that officers should have waited for backup instead of forcing their way back into her room.

The Guardian

Reed invited Hegarty to join him as a backup vocalist on his Animal Serenade tour, and the pair have been friends and occasional collaborators ever since (Hegarty is hoping that Reed and his partner Laurie Anderson, of O Superman fame, will both return the compliment and appear at Meltdown).

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital data, specify the type of "backup" (e.g., "cloud backup", "local backup") to clarify its location and method.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "backup" (noun or adjective) and "back up" (verb). For example, use "backup files" (adjective) versus "back up your files" (verb).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "backup" is as a noun, referring to a reserve or substitute. It can also function as an adjective, modifying other nouns. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "backup" is a versatile and frequently used term, functioning primarily as a noun or adjective to denote a reserve or substitute. Ludwig AI validates its correct and widespread usage across multiple contexts. Its presence is most prominent in news, business, and technical domains. To ensure clarity, specify the type of "backup" you are discussing. Avoid confusing the noun/adjective "backup" with the verb phrase "back up". When writing, remember that "backup" is essential for ensuring redundancy and security, whether it's in data storage or contingency planning. The wide variety of example sentences listed in Ludwig reflects the utility of this term in all types of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserve copy

Emphasizes having an extra copy as a safeguard.

safety net

Highlights the protective aspect of having a secondary measure.

contingency plan

Focuses on planning for unexpected events and having alternative actions.

duplicate file

Specifies that the backup is an exact copy of a digital file.

standby system

Refers to a system ready to take over if the primary system fails.

alternative resource

Highlights the substitutive nature of a backup when the primary resource is unavailable.

secondary support

Focuses on providing additional assistance if the main support fails.

fallback option

Implies a less preferred but still viable alternative.

insurance policy

Metaphorically used to describe a measure that provides security against potential loss.

redundancy measure

Highlights the duplication aspect to ensure availability.

FAQs

How can I use the word "backup" in a sentence?

You can use "backup" as a noun, such as "Do you have a "reserve copy" of the data?" or as an adjective, such as "This is my "standby system"."

What is another word for "backup"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "backup" include "reserve copy", "safety net", or "contingency plan".

Which is correct, "backup data" or "back up data"?

"Backup data" is correct when "backup" functions as an adjective describing the data. "Back up data" is a verb phrase, meaning to create a copy of the data.

What's the difference between a "backup" and a "recovery"?

A "backup" is a copy of data or a system to be used in case of failure. "Recovery" is the process of restoring that data or system from the "reserve copy".