backward charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backward charge" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, electrical engineering, or discussions about forces and charges that are directed in the opposite direction. Example: "The experiment demonstrated a backward charge in the electric field, leading to unexpected results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The decrease in Voc may be attributed to an increase in backward charge transfer from the TiO2 to the electrolyte due to exposed GNPs since ~ 20 nm GNPs covered with ~ 20-nm thick SiO2 films did not cause such a decrease in Voc.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

rang out as the American Roddick and the Australian Hewitt, wearing their baseball caps backward, charged into the fifth set.

The New York Times - Sports

At the early stages, components like disc brakes and the G.E. engine, which spins backward to charge the battery during braking or coasting, were bolted to a tubular steel frame.

The New York Times - Travel

Despite being first mentioned by Edward Bellamy in 1887's "Looking Backward," the first charge card didn't' appear until 1921 when a charge card was issued to Western Union customers.

TechCrunch

They are a hit with instructors chasing little tykes around because it's a lot easier to ski backward while watching your charges and it's easier to pick up a 7-year-old with smaller boards on your feet.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon removing the anodic polarization, the positive charges decay by backward migration and hole injection into the electrode, and the negative charges stay until the oxide layer is partly dissolved.

Electrochimica Acta

And then there is Pink, Whilky's backward young daughter, who is charged with the care of Gustine's baby -- born with his heart outside his body, a rare condition that begins to obsess Dr. Chiver -- while Gustine works by day for a pottery and by night as a prostitute.

The New York Times - Books

Raheem Carter, a walk-on guard, took a charge and tumbled backward in a pratfall that recalled Chevy Chase's heyday on "Saturday Night Live".

The New York Times - Sports

An obvious hysteresis effect as a function laser intensity is observed for both NR2 and NR3, and the amount of stored charges in the backward loop is larger than that in the forward loop, suggesting that this part of charges decays with a slower time than which needed for each measurement.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The contribution social conservatives can make in terms of the importance of order, respect and tradition in culture and institutions is vulnerable to the charge of being backward-looking and bigoted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Peruvian matador Fernando Roca Rey executes a daring backward pass as the bull charges behind him at Plaza de Acho, Lima.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing phenomena in physics or chemistry, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether "backward charge" refers to a literal reversal of electrical charge or a metaphorical shift in responsibility or blame. For clarity, specify the entities between which the charge is transferred.

Common error

Avoid using "backward charge" when you actually mean a simple negative charge or a charge moving in the opposite direction. Clearly define what is considered 'forward' versus 'backward' in your context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backward charge" functions primarily as a compound noun, often found in scientific and technical contexts. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a charge moving in the opposite direction to what is expected or intended.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backward charge" is a technical term primarily used in scientific and technical fields to describe the movement of electrical charge in the opposite direction of what is expected. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it appears in both scientific literature and news media. When using "backward charge", ensure clarity by specifying the forward direction. Alternatives include "reverse charge" and "charge reversal". This phrase is best suited for formal and scientific contexts due to its precise technical meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse charge

Emphasizes the reversal of the typical direction of the charge.

inverted charge

Highlights the flipping or inverting of the charge's polarity.

charge reversal

Focuses on the action of the charge being reversed.

negative charge

Indicates a charge that is opposite in sign to what is expected or normal.

return charge

Suggests a charge that is flowing back to its origin.

counter charge

Implies a charge that opposes or neutralizes another charge.

retrograde charge

Uses a more formal term to indicate movement in a backward direction.

opposite charge

Emphasizes the polarity difference rather than the direction.

reflected charge

Suggests a charge that has bounced back or been reflected.

charge flowing backward

Descriptive and emphasizes the direction of the charge’s movement.

FAQs

What does "backward charge" mean in a scientific context?

In scientific contexts, "backward charge" often refers to the transfer of electrical charge in a direction opposite to the expected or intended direction, particularly in electrochemical or photovoltaic systems. It can describe charge recombination or reverse electron transfer processes.

Can I use "backward charge" in non-scientific writing?

While primarily used in scientific fields, "backward charge" can be used metaphorically in other contexts to describe a situation where responsibility or blame is shifted in an unexpected direction. However, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "reverse charge" or "inverted charge".

Is "backward charge" the same as "negative charge"?

No, "backward charge" is not the same as "negative charge". "Negative charge" refers to the polarity of the charge itself, whereas "backward charge" refers to the direction of charge movement, which is opposite to the intended or expected direction.

What are some alternatives to "backward charge" in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, you can use alternatives such as "reverse charge", "charge reversal", or "back transfer of charge", depending on the specific phenomenon you are describing. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.