Commonly confused

Back up vs Back down

“Back up” and “Back down” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.

The key difference

Back down means withdraw from a position. Back up means make a digital copy of data as a safeguard.

back up

  1. 1

    Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard

    “Back up your files before the update.”

  2. 2

    Support someone's claim, story or position

    “Will you back me up at the meeting?”

  3. 3

    Move backward along the same path

    “Back up slowly, there is a wall behind you.”

Full meaning of back up

back down

  1. 1

    Withdraw from a position

    “He refused to back down from the argument.”

Full meaning of back down

Stop mixing them up

Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.

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