Back Up
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To make a “protection” copy of something in case there is problem with the original
Example sentence
"Don’t forget to back up your data"
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
- back up your files
- back up the computer
- back up your photos
- back up data
- back up everything
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
- He backed up his hard drive.
- He backed his hard drive up.
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To support someone
Example sentence
"The boss was yelling at me, why didn’t you back me up?"
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
- back up a friend
- back up your argument
- back up a claim
- back someone up
- back up the team
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
- She backed up her teammate.
- She backed her teammate up.
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To return to an earlier part of the story to clarify something
Example sentence
"Sorry, let me back up and explain that part again."
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
- back up for a second
- back up a little
- back up to the beginning
- back up in the story
- let me back up
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
- Let me back up the story a bit.
- Let me back the story up a bit.