back up
B1Neutral to informal; the computing sense is standard technical register.
Definition
Meaning
To move backward; to give support to someone or something; to make a copy of computer data for safekeeping.
The concept involves support, reinforcement, reversal of direction, or creating a safeguard against loss. In computing, it represents the prevention of data loss through duplication. In interpersonal contexts, it implies providing corroboration or physical/moral support.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb is transitive or intransitive depending on sense. 'Back up a claim' (support) is transitive. 'The traffic is backing up' (accumulating) is intransitive. The computing sense is always transitive ('back up your files'). The noun form 'backup' is common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use all senses. 'Back up' for traffic congestion is slightly more common in American reports.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The computing sense is universally technical.
Frequency
The support sense is high frequency in both. The computing sense is high frequency in IT contexts globally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SBJ back up OBJ (transitive)SBJ back up (intransitive)back OBJ up (separable)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “back up the wrong tree”
- “have someone's back (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential for IT security policies. 'All departmental files must be backed up weekly.'
Academic
Used to describe supporting evidence. 'The findings back up the initial hypothesis.'
Everyday
Common for driving and general support. 'Can you back me up if I ask for a day off?'
Technical
Core IT terminology for data preservation processes and systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you back up your assertion with some evidence?
- The lorry reversed and backed up into the loading bay.
- I need to back up my laptop before the update.
American English
- Do you have any data to back up that claim?
- Traffic is backing up for miles on the interstate.
- Remember to back up your phone regularly.
adverb
British English
- She moved the car backup to make more space. (rare, usually 'back up' as verb)
- He drove backup to the gate. (rare)
American English
- The car was parked backup against the wall. (rare, usually phrased as 'backed up')
- Walk backup a few steps. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The backup generator kicked in during the power cut.
- She played a backup role in the project.
American English
- We need a backup plan in case it rains.
- He's the backup quarterback for the team.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please back up the car carefully.
- My friend will back me up.
- Always back up important documents on a cloud service.
- The scientist had data to back up her theory.
- The witness's testimony completely backed up the defendant's alibi.
- Congestion is beginning to back up from the city centre.
- The study's robust methodology backs up its controversial conclusions.
- The system automatically backs up incremental changes in real-time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a friend stepping BACK to stand UP next to you to support you in an argument.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS STANDING BEHIND SOMEONE; SAFETY IS A DUPLICATE OBJECT KEPT BEHIND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'спина вверх'. For the support sense, use 'поддерживать'. For the computing sense, use 'создавать резервную копию' or 'бэкапить' (colloquial).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'backup' as a verb ('I will backup the data') instead of 'back up'. Confusing with 'back down' (to withdraw).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'back up' used to mean 'support'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. The verb is always two words: 'back up'. The noun ('I need a backup') and adjective ('backup plan') are usually one word.
'Back up' means to support or reverse. 'Back down' means to withdraw from a demand, argument, or confrontation.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'I'll back you up in the meeting' means 'I will support your statements or position'.
It is standard, neutral technical language. It is appropriate in all registers when discussing data management.