to back down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to back down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone withdraws from a position or stops insisting on something, often in the context of a disagreement or confrontation. Example: "After much debate, he decided to back down from his original stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grimaud refused to back down.

The New Yorker

They had to back down.

The New York Times

He has to back down.

The New York Times

My husband wanted to back down.

The New York Times

Roosevelt vowed not to back down.

The New York Times

But ISIS seems unlikely to back down.

The Economist

Mr. Morsi refused to back down.

The New York Times

Mrs. Thatcher vowed not to back down.

The New York Times

But Mr. Schwarzenberg refused to back down.

The New York Times

Barbin was advised to back down.

The New Yorker

"Don't try to back down.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to back down" when you want to convey the idea of someone retreating from a previous assertion, demand, or confrontation. It's appropriate when discussing negotiations, disputes, or situations where someone changes their stance.

Common error

Avoid using "to back down" when you want to express strength or resilience. While it indicates flexibility, it also suggests a degree of yielding. If the intention is to communicate unwavering resolve, consider phrases like "to stand firm" or "to remain steadfast" instead.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to back down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of withdrawing or retreating from a position, claim, or confrontation. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts to express the idea of yielding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to back down" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe withdrawing from a position or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it can imply yielding, it also suggests strategic flexibility. When writing, it's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. If you need a substitute, consider "to yield" or "to concede". Knowing these nuances can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to yield

Implies conceding or surrendering a point, often in negotiation or argument.

to back off

Suggests reducing involvement or pressure in a situation.

to concede

Suggests admitting defeat or acknowledging the validity of an opposing viewpoint.

to give way

Indicates relenting or allowing someone else to proceed, often due to pressure.

to withdraw

Implies removing oneself from a situation or commitment.

to retreat

Suggests withdrawing from a conflict or dangerous situation.

to climb down

Implies retracting a statement or position, often after facing criticism or opposition.

to relent

Indicates softening one's stance or becoming more lenient.

to surrender

Suggests giving up completely or submitting to an opposing force.

to capitulate

Implies unconditionally surrendering or ceasing resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "to back down" in a sentence?

You can use "to back down" to describe someone withdrawing from a position. For instance, "The negotiator was unwilling "to back down" from their demands."

What are some alternatives to "to back down"?

Alternatives include "to yield", "to concede", or "to retreat", depending on the specific context. Each carries slightly different connotations of surrender or strategic withdrawal.

When is it appropriate to use "to back down" versus "to compromise"?

"To back down" suggests a more complete withdrawal from a position, while "to compromise" implies a mutual agreement involving concessions from both sides. Use "to compromise" when both parties give something up, and "to back down" when one party essentially surrenders their stance.

Is "to back down" a sign of weakness?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes indicate a lack of resolve, "to back down" can also be a strategic decision to avoid further conflict or to reassess a situation. It often indicates pragmatism rather than pure weakness, which is often a sign of strength.