walk back

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk back" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the action of returning to a previous position, such as a physical location or opinion. For example, "After months of denying climate change, he finally walked back his opinion and admitted that it was a real issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I decided to walk back.

The New Yorker

He had to walk back.

The New Yorker

"I want to walk back".

The New Yorker

You can walk back.

The New Yorker

Walk back to the start and repeat.

The Guardian - Sport

They walk back through the old neighborhood.

The New Yorker

We decided to walk back to Dongshigu.

The New York Times

Then I'll walk back over here".

The New Yorker

Walk back home for lunch.

The Guardian - Travel

/ Walk back the same way.

The Guardian

And I walk back home.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walk back" when you want to convey the idea of physically returning to a place or figuratively retracting a statement or position.

Common error

Avoid using "walk back" only in literal contexts when a more precise verb like "return" or "retrace" would be more appropriate. Be mindful of when the phrase is meant to indicate a change of mind or retraction rather than a simple return to a location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walk back" primarily functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies physically returning to a place or figuratively retracting a statement. Examples show its usage across various contexts, from literal returns to admissions of error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "walk back" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote either physically returning to a location or retracting a statement or position. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage spans from literal actions to figurative expressions of reversing one's stance. It commonly appears in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, be mindful of the specific context to ensure the most appropriate meaning is conveyed. Considering nuances and alternatives is important for clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk something back

Suggests a modification or softening of a previous statement, without fully retracting it.

go back

Similar to "return" but emphasizes the action of reversing movement.

backtrack

Similar to "retrace steps", but can also refer to reversing a decision or plan.

return

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on the physical act of going back.

reverse course

Suggests a change in direction, often in a metaphorical sense.

retrace steps

Implies following the same path in reverse, often literally.

take something back

A more general way of saying "retract", applicable to both statements and physical objects.

withdraw

Implies removing oneself or something from a situation or statement.

retract a statement

Focuses on taking back something said or written, rather than physical movement.

do an about-face

Suggests a sudden and complete reversal of opinion or policy.

FAQs

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

You can use "walk back" to describe physically returning to a place, as in, "We decided to "walk back to" the hotel". Alternatively, it can mean retracting a statement or position, for example, "The politician had to "walk back his" controversial comments".

What is the difference between "walk back" and "return"?

"Return" generally refers to going back to a place or state. "Walk back" can also mean physically returning, but it often implies retracting something previously said or done. The phrase "walk back" also carries a connotation of admitting a mistake, it's also closer to the idiom "walk something back".

What are some synonyms for "walk back" when referring to retracting a statement?

When "walk back" means retracting a statement, you can use synonyms like "retract", "take back", or "withdraw" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "walk something back"?

Yes, "walk something back" is a common idiom that means to retract or soften a previous statement or position. For example, "The company had to "walk back its" initial policy after public outcry".