retract from

USAGE SUMMARY

"retract from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone withdrawing their support or agreement from something. For example: "The company decided to retract from their previous position and no longer support the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It doesn't in any way retract from the reality that glaciers in the Himalayas are melting.

The Guardian

Retract, from the Latin trahere, "to draw," means "to take back; to withdraw".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Equally, the vendor can pull out if a better offer comes along, or if they retract from the market.

The Guardian - Money

They retract from my hard palate when I need to kill something or pierce the metal on a tin of expired condensed milk or whatever.

The New Yorker

In this fantasy, Espeseth's parents' car featured a long invisible knife, like the wing of a plane, which could extend or retract from the side of the station wagon according to his mental instructions.

The New Yorker

Josef Joffe, the hawkish editor of Die Zeit, the highbrow German weekly, told me, "There is certainly consistency and coherence in his attempt to retract from the troubles of the world, to get the U.S. out of harm's way, in order to do 'a little nation-building at home,' as he has so often put it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He wonders whether there is a means of retracting from the record.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

The data indicated stretching and sequential bond-breaking as the cell probe was retracted from all of the surfaces.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

The target particle can be attached on the surface of the magnetic probe tip and then be picked up after the tip retracted from the mica surface.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

We draw on rational crime theory to help analyse 55 articles that have been retracted from 734 peer-reviewed journals in the field of economics.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retract from" when you want to emphasize the act of withdrawing from a previously held position, belief, or commitment. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "retract from" when there was no prior engagement or commitment. "Retract from" implies a reversal, so use alternatives like "abstain from" or "refrain from" when there's no prior action to withdraw.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "retract from" functions primarily to indicate the act of withdrawing or taking back something previously asserted or committed to. This is supported by Ludwig and its examples showing usage in both scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retract from" is a commonly used phrasal verb that indicates withdrawing or taking back a previous statement, commitment, or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts, most notably in science and news media. When using "retract from", be mindful of its implication of reversing a prior action or statement. Alternative phrases like "withdraw from", "back down from", and "renege on" offer similar meanings but may carry different connotations. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw from

Implies a more general removal or detachment, not necessarily involving a previous commitment.

back down from

Suggests a yielding or retreat from a confrontation or a previously held position.

backtrack on

Implies reversing a course of action or a previous statement, often due to pressure or criticism.

renege on

Specifically refers to failing to honor a commitment or agreement.

reverse course on

To change direction or policy on a particular matter.

take back

Emphasizes the reversal of a statement or action.

step away from

Suggests distancing oneself from a situation or responsibility.

resile from

A more formal term for withdrawing from an agreement or commitment.

recant

To formally withdraw or disavow a previously held belief or statement.

disavow

To deny knowledge of, responsibility for, or association with.

FAQs

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

You can use "retract from" to describe someone withdrawing from a position or statement, such as: "The politician decided to "withdraw from" the agreement" or "The scientist had to "take back" his initial claims after new evidence emerged."

What are some alternatives to "retract from"?

Some alternatives to "retract from" include "withdraw from", "back down from", or "renege on", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "retract from" and "retreat from"?

"Retract from" implies withdrawing a statement or commitment, while "retreat from" suggests physically or strategically moving back from a location or situation. While related, they aren't always interchangeable. For example, "The army "retreat from" the battle" is different than "The newspaper had to "retract from" a previous statement."

Is it appropriate to use "retract from" in formal writing?

Yes, "retract from" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the formal withdrawal of support or agreement from something. However, context is key; ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your piece.