Is 'backs' only used for humans?

No, it can refer to the rear surface of animals, objects (like chairs), or even abstract concepts (e.g., 'backs of books').

What's the difference between 'back' and 'backs' in sports?

'Back' can refer to the position (e.g., he plays back). 'Backs' (plural) refers to the group of players in those positions, especially in rugby and football.

Can 'backs' be a verb?

Yes, as the third-person singular present tense of 'to back' (meaning to support). Example: 'She backs the project.'

Is 'backs' formal or informal?

As a noun, it is neutral, used in both formal (anatomy) and informal (everyday pain) contexts. As a verb ('backs'), it is common in formal business and informal support contexts.

backs

A1/A2

UK/bæks/US/bæks/

Neutral/Informal (Noun); Formal/Informal (Verb - to back/support)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

the plural form of 'back', referring to the rear surface of the human body from shoulders to hips, or the reverse side of something.

Can also denote: 1) positions in sports like rugby or football, 2) defensive players in various games, 3) support or endorsement (as in 'having one's back'), or 4) the part of a book or chair.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The plural 'backs' often implies multiple individuals (e.g., rugby players) or multiple rear surfaces. As a verb (third person singular: 'backs'), it means to support financially or morally.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning. In football/soccer contexts, 'backs' are defensive players. In rugby, a 'back' is a non-forward player. In American football, defensive backs (DBs) are a specific position.

Connotations

Similar connotations in both varieties. 'Backs' in sports contexts is more frequent in UK usage due to rugby's popularity.

Frequency

As a noun, equally common. The verb form 'backs' (he backs the project) is slightly more common in business contexts in AmE.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

turn their backsbacks against the wallbacks to the wallhave your backsbacks of the chairsbacks of books

medium

strong backshurt their backsbacks of playersbacks of envelopesbacks of buildings

weak

backs of headsbacks of handsbacks of trains

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[plural noun] + backs + [prepositional phrase: e.g., of the team][verb: have/turn/hurt] + [possessive] + backs[defensive/offensive] + backs

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

defendersfullbackssupporters

Neutral

rearshind partsposteriorsreverse sides

Weak

spinesdorsal sides

Vocabulary

Antonyms

frontsfacesforefronts

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“backs to the wall”
“stab in the back”
“pat on the back”
“break the back of the problem”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used metaphorically: 'The company backs the new venture.' (supports)

Academic

Anatomy: 'The study focused on muscle groups in human backs.'

Everyday

Casual: 'Our backs hurt after moving furniture.'

Technical

Sports science: 'The flankers and backs showed different fatigue patterns.'

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

He always backs the underdog in political races.
The bank backs small businesses with favourable loans.

American English

She backs the candidate completely.
The venture capital firm backs tech startups.

adverb

British English

N/A (adverb form is 'back', e.g., go back, step back).

American English

N/A (adverb form is 'back', e.g., come back, look back).

adjective

British English

N/A (adjective form is 'back', e.g., back door, back pain).

American English

N/A (adjective form is 'back', e.g., back seat, back issue).

Examples

By CEFR Level

The children have strong backs from playing outside.
The backs of the chairs are blue.

The rugby team's backs are very fast runners.
They wrote the phone numbers on the backs of envelopes.

With their backs against the wall, the team played their best match.
Investors are hesitant to back the new proposal.

The defensive backs intercepted the pass, turning the game's momentum.
Archaeologists found inscriptions on the backs of the ancient tablets.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine two rugby players with numbers on their BACKS.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUPPORT IS HAVING SOMEONE'S BACK. DIFFICULTY IS A BURDEN ON ONE'S BACK.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Не путать с 'backs' как глагол (he backs = он поддерживает) и существительное (спины).
В спорте 'backs' — это не просто 'задние', а защитники или задние линии.

Common Mistakes

Using 'back' as plural (incorrect: 'three back').
Confusing 'backs' (noun) with 'backs' (verb, 3rd person singular).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The players had their to the sun during the first half.

Multiple Choice

In which context does 'backs' NOT refer to people?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it can refer to the rear surface of animals, objects (like chairs), or even abstract concepts (e.g., 'backs of books').
: 'Back' can refer to the position (e.g., he plays back). 'Backs' (plural) refers to the group of players in those positions, especially in rugby and football.
: Yes, as the third-person singular present tense of 'to back' (meaning to support). Example: 'She backs the project.'
: As a noun, it is neutral, used in both formal (anatomy) and informal (everyday pain) contexts. As a verb ('backs'), it is common in formal business and informal support contexts.