What are the definitions of “back up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a copy of computer data.
You should always BACK UP important wrong with the hardware.
- 2Support.
The rest of the staff BACKED her UP when she complained about working conditions.
- 3Drive a vehicle backwards.
Tom BACKED UP without looking and ran over his laptop.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “back up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb back up is to make a copy of computer data to protect it from being lost. It is important to back up your files regularly to ensure that you do not lose any important information.
What are the different verb forms of “back up”?
| Root Verb | back up |
| Third Person Singular Present | backs up |
| Present Participle | backing up |
| Simple Past | backed up |
| Past Participle | backed up |
Example
I always back up my computer files every week.
Example
She backs up her phone data to the cloud.
Example
He is backing up his important documents right now.
Example
Yesterday, they backed up all their photos to an external hard drive.
Example
The important files have been backed up and stored safely.
What kind of phrasal verb is “back up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“back up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She backed up her computer files.
Example
He backed the car up into the parking space.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“back up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She backed up her computer files.
Example
He backed the car up into the parking space.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “back up”?
Back up a claim
Provide evidence or support for a statement or argument.
Example
She had data to back up her claim that the new policy was effective.
Back someone up
Support or defend someone, especially in a difficult situation.
Example
When she raised her concerns, her colleagues backed her up.
Back up traffic
Cause a delay or congestion in traffic, usually due to an accident or other obstruction.
Example
The accident backed up traffic for miles.
Good things to know
Does “back up” have an informal or formal tone?
Back up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “back up”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- contradict
- delete
- oppose
- refute
- erase
- remove
- go forward
