back out
back out — phrasal verb
- back outbase form
- backs out3rd person singular
- backing out-ing form
- backed outpast simple
1. to break a previous agreement or fail to keep a promise, typically at a point wh
to break a previous agreement or fail to keep a promise, typically at a point where other people are already relying on you to follow through
Mauricio agreed to help with the event but backed out the night before it started.
back out + without 'of' when the commitment is already clear from context
Maja backed out of her promise to drive the children to school every morning.
back out of + promise / agreement / plan
Omar backed out of leading the team, so the coach had to find a last-minute replacement.
It is unfair to back out after everyone else has already booked their flights.
Bao made a dinner reservation but backed out, so the restaurant gave the table away.
- pull out
more neutral, common in competitions and informal arrangements
- withdraw
more formal, used in official or professional contexts
- renege (on)
stronger negative tone, specifically about breaking a promise or contract
- follow through
to continue with what was promised until completion
- go through with
to carry out a plan as originally agreed
文法句型
back out + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Usually takes the preposition 'of' before the specific commitment ('back out of a deal/promise/plan'). When the commitment is clear from context, 'of' can be dropped: 'He said he would come but backed out.'
常見錯誤
2. to withdraw from a formal or financial commitment such as a contract, competitio
to withdraw from a formal or financial commitment such as a contract, competition, or agreed course of action, typically after initial agreement or participation has begun
Owen backed out of the tournament after his doctor told him to rest his injured shoulder.
back out of + competition / tournament / contest
The buyer backed out of the deal when the house inspection revealed serious foundation problems.
Quan backed out of the contract after realising the payment terms were not what he had agreed to.
If you back out of this agreement now, you will lose the deposit you already paid.
Several sponsors backed out after the charity was accused of mismanaging its funds.
- commit to
to formally agree to participate or proceed
- see through
to continue with something until it is finished
文法句型
back out + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in business, legal, and competitive contexts. The commitment is typically a formal arrangement with consequences for withdrawal — contrast with Sense 1, where the commitment is usually personal or social.