backwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement or orientation in the opposite direction or to indicate a reversal in progress or development. Example: "The car was moving backwards down the driveway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As it happens, our plan was that we would take sales backwards this year while we make these changes".

The Guardian - Business

I swam towards the Italian ship but the waves were pushing me backwards whenever I got closer.

The Guardian

David Miliband has delivered a harsh critique of his brother's election campaign, saying it appeared to push the Labour party backwards from the principles of aspiration and inclusion.

The Guardian

The narrative spirals outwards and backwards to evoke, first, a world without seasons or colour, then the emergence of plant and animal life, then the time of human habitation, ending with a series of "prospects" of Britain which I think are among the best 20th-century nature writing.

The Guardian - Books

Acting has been good to him, given that he appears to have fallen into it backwards.

The Guardian - Film

They actually fell in the past year: So I guess if you're looking for a sunny note to end on let us just say the workers are still working pretty hard and well, but we're not getting any extra pay for doing so and our income feels like it has gone backwards.

The Guardian - Business

The union is currently reviled perhaps like never before: a euro debacle, debt swamping the continent, expansion stalled, sluggish economies going backwards, euroscepticism on the rise.

The Guardian

We may have gone two steps forward, but I fear we may have gone one step backwards.

The Guardian

In recent years, he's been backwards and forwards twice between Andrew Lansley's office and health-lobbying specialists MHP.

The Guardian

The compiler of the Harry the Dog word search in the Sunday Telegraph (proprietor: Rupert Murdoch), who included the phrase "Murdoch is evil" backwards.

The Guardian

At a time when it is usual to look ahead and make plans, it is helpful to look backwards too, and reflect on times now passed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence or process, use "backwards" to clearly indicate a reversal of the usual order. For example, "read the instructions backwards" emphasizes doing it in reverse.

Common error

Avoid using "backward" and "backwards" interchangeably. "Backward" is generally used as an adjective (a backward glance), while "backwards" functions as an adverb (moving backwards).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "backwards" is that of an adverb, modifying verbs to indicate movement or direction in reverse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it specifies how an action is performed, such as "The cabinet toppled over backwards".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "backwards" is grammatically correct and very common in English, primarily used in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes movement or direction in reverse. While interchangeable with phrases like "in reverse", understanding its specific adverbial role is key to avoiding misuse. Its neutral tone makes it versatile across various communication styles, though the frequency analysis indicates its prevalent usage in news and media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reverse

Indicates a movement or process in the opposite direction to what is usual or expected.

in the opposite direction

Specifies movement or orientation countering the typical path.

rearward

Refers to movement towards the back or the rear.

retrogressively

Describes a movement or change towards a worse or less developed state.

reversely

Indicates something done in reverse order or manner.

the wrong way around

Suggests that something is arranged or done in the incorrect sequence.

in the past

Refers to a time before the present.

regressively

Indicates a return to a former or less developed state.

astray

Implies wandering from the correct path or direction.

in retreat

Suggests moving away from an enemy or something dangerous.

FAQs

How can I use "backwards" in a sentence?

You can use "backwards" to describe movement in the opposite direction, such as "The car rolled "backwards" down the hill". It can also describe a reversed order or process.

What are some alternatives to saying "backwards"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in reverse", "reversely", or "in the opposite direction".

Is it correct to say "backward" instead of "backwards"?

While "backward" can be used as an adjective, "backwards" is typically used as an adverb. For example, "a backward glance" vs. "moving "backwards"".

What does it mean when something is described as "going backwards"?

Describing something as "going backwards" implies regression or a decline from a previous state. It suggests moving away from progress or improvement.