Transitive/intransitive phrasal verb used to assert support, ensure data safety, or indicate reverse movement.

To affirm support for an argument, protect data by creating a copy, or safely reverse a vehicle.

When defending a point in a discussion, before saving important files, or when parking a vehicle.

Everyday conversation, office and tech environments, academic presentations.

back up

back up

Your argument, files or datasets, the car or truck, reverse gear.

• data backup
• back up regularly
• backup file
• back up your claims
• back up your work

• support (for argument)
• duplicate (for data)
• copy (for data)
• reverse (for vehicle movement)

Using 'backup' as a verb instead of 'back up'; confusing the intransitive vehicle use with the transitive support meaning.

stand by (general support), reverse (vehicle movement only)

Learners may treat 'back up' as a single word in all contexts, or use 'support' instead of 'back up' for data contexts.

• backup (noun/adjective)

In technology, it specifically means creating a duplicate copy; in social contexts, it can mean general support without duplication.

Signals preparedness, responsibility, and reliability — listeners perceive the speaker as cautious and credible.

Back up your work

Phrasal verb with multiple meanings and uses, including support, data backup, and vehicle movement.

back up your claims with evidence