i retract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I retract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to formally take back a statement that you have said previously. For example, "I retract my previous statement that we should move the meeting to Thursday; let's stick with Tuesday instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I retract that impertinent suggestion.

The New York Times - Sports

"I retract it, of course," Mr. Chirac added.

The New York Times

I was tacky and I retract my statements.

The Guardian - Music

And they suggest I retract everything I've just written.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Will I retract everything and sit back down?

The Guardian

I retract any criticisms of Australian cricket I may in haste have made last night.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I retracted it.

The New Yorker

Christy could see the turmoil inside me as I retracted from people, bitter and resentful.

The New York Times

When I retracted yet another "Me!" and said that actually he should be the one to solve a puzzle he'd started, he let me do it instead.

The Guardian - Tech

I retracted into a self-imposed shell".

Science Magazine

"After much evasion, justification and rationalising of their reasons," he said, producers at the Deutsches Theatre "finally informed me that the colour of the actress's skin would ultimately be irrelevant, since they intended to 'experiment with make-up.' At this point, I retracted the rights to the production".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I retract" to formally withdraw a statement you've made, especially when you realize it's inaccurate or inappropriate. This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "I retract" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I take that back" or "I was wrong" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I retract" is to perform a performative utterance. This means that saying the phrase accomplishes the action of retracting. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I retract" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for formally withdrawing a statement. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it's frequently found in news and media, and is best suited for situations requiring clarity and accountability. While versatile, avoid overusing it in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "I take that back" for informal contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable, and these real-world examples should help you use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I take back

Focuses on reversing a previous statement or action.

I withdraw

Implies a formal removal of a statement or offer.

I disavow

Suggests a complete rejection or denial of a previous association or belief.

I recant

Indicates a formal and often public retraction of a statement, especially a belief.

I invalidate

Emphasizes rendering something null or without effect.

I nullify

Highlights making something legally void or ineffective.

I revoke

Focuses on the cancellation or reversal of a decree, permit, or privilege.

I negate

Implies the act of denying the truth or existence of something.

I renounce

Suggests a formal rejection or abandonment of a claim, right, or possession.

I repeal

Indicates the official revocation or annulment of a law or act.

FAQs

How can I use "I retract" in a sentence?

Use "I retract" to formally withdraw a statement you previously made. For example, "After reviewing the data, "I retract" my earlier assertion about the budget cuts."

What is a less formal way to say "I retract"?

Less formal alternatives to "I retract" include phrases like "I take that back", "I was wrong", or "I take it back", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I retract"?

It's appropriate to use "I retract" in situations where you need to formally withdraw a statement, such as in legal proceedings, official reports, or when correcting misinformation in a professional setting.

What's the difference between "I retract" and "I apologize"?

"I retract" means you are taking back a statement you made, usually because it was inaccurate or misleading. "I apologize" expresses regret for something you did or said, regardless of its accuracy.