retreat from

USAGE SUMMARY

"retreat from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of withdrawing from a situation, usually in a strategic manner. For example: "The soldiers were ordered to retreat from the battlefield to regroup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had to retreat from team sports for a while.

The New York Times - Magazine

And they might retreat from additional investments.

The New York Times

A retreat from the world?

The Guardian - Opinion

Want to retreat from the retreat?

The Washington Post

"The Retreat From Moscow," by William Nicholson.

The New York Times

Bonn had been a retreat from history.

The New York Times

(1981) Beating a retreat from Rothschild.

Nature

He did not retreat from controversy.

The Guardian - Books

Then there is the retreat from seriousness.

The Guardian

I don't retreat from the point.

The Guardian

His "Paloozical" is a retreat from seriousness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retreat from" when you want to convey a sense of strategic withdrawal, whether it's from a physical location, a commitment, or an idea.

Common error

Avoid using "retreat from" in highly informal contexts. While generally acceptable, consider synonyms like "back away from" for casual settings to maintain appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retreat from" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as a verb phrase complement. It describes the action of withdrawing or moving back, either physically or figuratively. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retreat from" is a versatile prepositional phrase that signifies withdrawal from a position, commitment, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and formality level when choosing between "retreat from" and its synonyms, such as "withdraw from" or "back away from". Remember to employ it strategically to convey a sense of planned withdrawal or reassessment, and be mindful of avoiding overly casual settings where more informal alternatives might be more appropriate. With its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the use of "retreat from" will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw from

Suggests a formal or official removal from a situation or agreement.

pull back from

Implies a deliberate and strategic withdrawal.

back away from

Implies a less formal withdrawal, often from a potentially confrontational situation.

step back from

Suggests a temporary withdrawal to gain perspective or avoid over-involvement.

disengage from

Suggests a formal and often tactical separation from a situation or conflict.

back down from

Indicates abandoning a claim or demand, often in the face of opposition.

backpedal on

Implies a clumsy or hesitant reversal of a previous statement or action.

recede from

Emphasizes a gradual withdrawal or lessening of involvement.

renege on

Highlights the breaking of a promise or commitment.

abandon

Indicates a complete and often abrupt withdrawal or desertion.

FAQs

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

Use "retreat from" to describe withdrawing from a position, belief, or commitment. For example, "The company decided to "retreat from" the risky investment project."

What's a more informal way to say "retreat from"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using "back away from" or "pull back from". These options are suitable for casual conversations.

Is there a difference between "withdraw from" and "retreat from"?

While both imply removal, "withdraw from" often suggests a formal or official action, whereas "retreat from" can also imply a strategic or tactical withdrawal. They can often be used interchangeably, but "withdraw from" may be more appropriate in official contexts.

Can "retreat from" be used in both physical and abstract contexts?

Yes, "retreat from" can be used in both physical and abstract situations. You can "retreat from" a physical location, like soldiers retreating from a battlefield, or "retreat from" an abstract idea, such as retreating from a previously held belief.