sink back

USAGE SUMMARY

"sink back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a physical movement of someone or something lowering or receding. For example, "He sank back into the couch after a long day of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then I can sink back into the words.

The New York Times - Books

Then I'd sink back with my mouth open.

The New Yorker

Still attempting to sink back its coronal into the rock.

The New Yorker

It could sink back into the deep abyss by 2014.

The Guardian - Opinion

They rise to the surface and sink back.

The New York Times

There is strong social pressure not to sink back into old habits.

The Economist

"But they sink back, and this new island will also not stay there for long".

The New York Times

I rescue them from the void one final time before they sink back into it forever".

The Guardian - Books

Gates seemed to sink back into his beige leather armchair, hesitant to contribute.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

When it rains in my kitchen, my sink backs up like a geyser – Old Faithful.

The Guardian

Abu Moayad sunk back into his armchair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sink back" to vividly describe a physical motion of lowering oneself into a relaxed posture, or a metaphorical return to a previous condition or state of mind.

Common error

Avoid using "sink back" when the intended meaning is an active or forceful movement forward. This phrase inherently implies a movement of receding or relaxing, not initiating action.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sink back" primarily functions as a descriptive verb, portraying a physical or metaphorical action of receding or relaxing. Ludwig's examples showcase its ability to vividly illustrate movement, whether literal (sinking into a chair) or figurative (returning to a previous state).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sink back" is a versatile phrasal verb that is grammatically correct and very common in written English. As Ludwig highlights, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to describe both literal movements of receding or relaxing and figurative returns to previous states. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using "sink back", remember that it implies a motion of drawing back or settling in, not initiating forward action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recline

This single word alternative emphasizes the act of leaning back in a relaxed manner.

settle back

Suggests a comfortable and gradual return to a resting position.

slide back

Highlights a smooth and effortless movement backward.

fall back

Implies a retreat or return to a previous position, often under pressure.

lapse back

Indicates a return to a former, often undesirable, state or behavior.

slump back

Conveys a sense of exhaustion or defeat while moving backward.

recede

Focuses on the action of moving away or diminishing.

draw back

Suggests a cautious or hesitant movement away from something.

withdraw

Implies a formal or deliberate removal of oneself.

gravitate back

Suggests a natural tendency to return to a certain place or state.

FAQs

How can I use "sink back" in a sentence?

You can use "sink back" to describe someone relaxing into a chair, such as, "After a long day, he wanted to "sink back" into his favorite armchair".

What are some alternatives to "sink back"?

Alternatives to "sink back" include "recline", "settle back", or "fall back", depending on the specific context.

Is "sink back" formal or informal?

"Sink back" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in journalistic and narrative writing.

What's the difference between "sink back" and "fall back"?

"Sink back" typically implies a slow, relaxed movement, whereas "fall back" can suggest a more sudden or forceful retreat. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.