develop as a backup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop as a backup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the creation or preparation of an alternative option or plan in case the primary one fails. Example: "We should develop as a backup plan in case our initial strategy does not yield the desired results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He'll initially develop as a backup alongside last year's fourth-round pick, James Brewer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Q: Chang'e-4 was developed as a backup to Chang'e-3, with a lander and rover.

Science Magazine

According to our hypothesis, early in development a population of VSELs would be deposited in developing organs as a backup for tissue-committed stem cells that plays a role in rejuvenation of tissues and organ regeneration after damage [ 7].

Aging

It seems Facebook developed Camera as a backup plan in case its efforts to acquire Instagram failed.

Los Angeles Times

I think he is a safe pick as a project who can develop into a backup and eventually challenge for a starting job.

The New York Times

To make business air travel as manageable as possible, corporate travel executives suggest booking as far in advance as possible to get the lowest fares and best seats available, and developing a backup plan in case of delays.

The New York Times

But, when he learns that they're being applied to allies, he's outraged, and doubly so when he discovers that a project he developed, ostensibly as a systems backup, has been transformed into a crucial engine of that worldwide surveillance.

The New Yorker

This side-hustle led him to develop a plan to pursue technical writing as a backup career option to academia.

University of California, Berkeley

As a result, the military office in charge of developing the jet hired BAE Systems in 2011 to develop a more traditional backup helmet as work continued on the new one.

The New York Times

Lee Tomlin's free-roaming approach looks more of a gamble and Josh King, from Blackburn, is a harmless punt as a backup striker Howe can develop.

The Guardian - Sport

Develop a backup plan for emergencies.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop as a backup", ensure that the primary plan is well-defined and understood before creating the alternative. This provides a clear context for the backup's purpose and scope.

Common error

Don't underestimate the importance of having a backup. Failing to "develop as a backup" can leave you vulnerable when unforeseen issues arise, potentially leading to significant setbacks or failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop as a backup" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of creating or preparing an alternative option or system. It typically describes a proactive measure taken to mitigate risks associated with a primary plan, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop as a backup" describes creating an alternative plan or system, often as a risk mitigation strategy. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, although usage is rare. It's suitable for neutral contexts, suggesting planning and foresight. Related phrases include "create a contingency plan" and "establish a fallback plan". When using the phrase, define the primary plan clearly and don't underestimate the importance of having a backup to mitigate potential setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Create a contingency plan

Focuses on the proactive creation of a backup strategy.

Establish a fallback plan

Emphasizes the readiness of an alternative strategy.

Build in redundancy

Highlights creating duplicate systems or components for reliability.

Design a secondary option

Specifically refers to crafting an alternative choice or solution.

Formulate a safety net

Suggests creating a protective measure against potential failures.

Prepare an alternative approach

Stresses readiness to switch to a different method if needed.

Have a reserve strategy

Implies maintaining a backup plan in anticipation of potential issues.

Maintain a supplementary system

Highlights the existence of a secondary system for support.

Keep a failsafe measure

Focuses on having a measure that automatically ensures safety in case of failure.

Cultivate a backup solution

Emphasizes actively nurturing an alternative resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "develop as a backup" in a sentence?

You can use "develop as a backup" to describe the process of creating an alternative plan or option in case the primary one fails. For example, "The company decided to "develop as a backup" a secondary supplier to mitigate potential disruptions in the supply chain."

What is the difference between "develop as a backup" and "create a contingency plan"?

"Develop as a backup" implies a more gradual process of building an alternative, while "create a contingency plan" suggests a more focused and immediate effort to prepare for specific potential problems.

When is it most appropriate to "develop as a backup"?

It is appropriate to "develop as a backup" when the primary plan carries significant risk or uncertainty, or when the consequences of failure are high. This ensures that an alternative solution is available if needed.

What are some alternatives to "develop as a backup"?

Alternatives include "formulate a reserve strategy", "establish a fallback plan", or "build in redundancy", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.