To back up

The information related to the data was backed up.

To back (something) up means, “To make several copies of electronic files “.

Most of you have heard backup from the computer, if you have lots of files on your computer, maybe you download something and you do not want to lose these, so you want to back them up on a hard disk or a CD. So, it means to make a copy of your files.

Example: 

  • The writer doesn’t back up his stories before making changes.
  • The writer doesn’t make copies of the stories before making changes.

Also it’s separable:

  • Boss wanted him to back up all the files before leaving.
  • Boss wanted him to back all the files up before leaving.

TO BACK UP also means, ” to serve as a substitute”.

Example:

  • She always keeps an extra pencil for back up.
  • She always keeps an extra pencil for a substitute.

TO BACK UP also means, ” to support” like in an argument.

Example:

  • If the boss tries to criticise your plan, I will back you up.
  • If the boss tries to criticise your plan, I will support you.

Another meaning of TO BACK UP is, “to move backward”.

Example:

  • I have spent all my savings on this project, I cannot back up now.
  • I have spent all my savings on this project, I cannot move back/ step back now.

Also it’s separable:

  • Father said, “He is always there to back up my business“.
  • Father said, “He is always there to back my business up“.

Let’s look at some other examples:

  • Hey, back up the files right now, I don’t want any Mishaps anymore.
  • I hope you have backed up all the interview recordings because I would be needing them tomorrow.
  • This isn’t working, let’s back up and think about it.
  • I have another company to use as back up if the proposal is too high.

Now let’s look at the next phrasal verb… 🚴

TO RUN OUT OF