back to back vs back

The phrases 'back to back' and 'back' have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'Back to back' is used to describe things that are directly behind each other or events that happen consecutively without a gap. On the other hand, 'back' alone refers to the rear part of something or the direction opposite to the front. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the specific context in which you want to use them.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 119 views

back to back

The phrase 'back to back' is correct and commonly used in English to describe things or events that are directly behind each other or happen consecutively without a gap.

Use 'back to back' when you want to indicate that something is directly behind another thing or when events occur one after the other without interruption.

Examples:

The chairs were placed back to back in the waiting area.
We had back-to-back meetings all day.
The houses were built back to back along the street.
The team scored two goals back to back.
She watched two movies back to back.

Show examples from the web [+]

A contemporary approach to the planning of public space embodied by these elegant sitting back to back with metal shelves and canopy.
Furthermore, the Mesh RGB can serve as a room divider by combining two units back to back with its refined and simple clipping system.
Now, gentlemen, back to back.
XENA and GABRIELLE are standing back to back in defensive poses.
Two dead boyfriends back to back.
Two movies, back to back.
All 7 Stabs back to back.
Capt. Brett has had back to back honeymoon couples this week.
Boogie Woogie enables back to back compositions.
Notice the double back to back turn.
Xena and Gabrielle are tied back to back with a large tree between them.
Xena and Gabrielle are fighting back to back.
The modules provide stackable and modular positioning back to back for the realization of a practical double-sided bookcase.
Get two matching metal rings that you will put back to back.
Come on, man, back to back.
When they were attacked they turned back to back and fought like one man.
Mike ended the day with a 5 and 6 lb largemouth bass back to back, on topwater of coarse.
I had a busy Monday December 28 on Lake Ida, 2 trips back to back on one of Palm Beach best fisheries.
Ticks may be active all year in some states, even waking up in winter if there are a couple of warm days back to back.
You put those clips together like that, back to back, like I'm some kind of cartoon character.

back

The word 'back' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the rear part of something or the direction opposite to the front.

Use 'back' when you want to talk about the rear part of an object, the opposite direction from the front, or to indicate support or assistance.

Examples:

He sat at the back of the classroom.
The car hit the tree at the back.
She has a pain in her back.
I'll have your back no matter what.
Could you scratch my back, please?

Show examples from the web [+]

My back's pretty good actually.
With both hands tied behind my back.
Meet me back here after closing.
The back zone is strengthened, back pains are successfully counteracted.
My back, my back, my back is still sore.
She didn't write me back.
You can't go back there.
Ernesto will back whatever you decide.
Lovers torn apart being brought back together...
Cassandra, go back into me.
Everybody get back, please! Sheriff department.
People died because you brought me back.
Think back, try to remember...
Well, I'm glad you came back.
Your people want their canal back.
The lock's been forced back into position.
Check the blood bank and report back.
Impossible. Wiener just got back.
Not if our troops drive them back.
Jessica Lynch never planned on shooting back.

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