Simply backed off vs Simply back off

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Simply backed off' is past tense and describes a completed action in the past, while 'simply back off' is present tense and is used to give a command or instruction to someone in the present.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1298 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a past action of withdrawing or moving away.

"Simply backed off"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone withdrew or moved away in the past. It indicates a completed action.

Examples:

He simply backed off when he realized he was wrong.
After the argument, she simply backed off and let things cool down.

Show examples from the web [+]

-... she should've backed off.
They backed off because of Uncle Mike.
Those goons backed off two days ago.
I just... thought Andrew had backed off that.
It created a rift between us so I backed off.
They backed off after the explosion.
Because I consider you my friend, I backed off.
Because you were my friend, I backed off.
My partner and I backed off immediately.
You already backed off the team.
Okay, look. I backed off.
And l backed off for six weeks, but we need to talk now.
But she backed off when she realized that Will was interested in me.
When Burrows backed off the case, the results were never posted.
Who ever it was, he must've backed off.
But when I found out about cliff, I backed off.
And I backed off for six weeks, but...
You know me, I never would have backed off.
At the very least, when she found out Leonard was upset about it, she should've backed off.
That's why we backed off, Naomi, friendship.

Alternatives:

simply retreated
simply withdrew
simply moved away
simply stepped back
simply gave way

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to give a command or instruction to someone in the present to withdraw or move away.

"Simply back off"

This phrase is used to give a direct command or instruction to someone in the present to withdraw or move away from a situation.

Examples:

If you feel uncomfortable, simply back off and take a break.
I told him to simply back off and give her some space.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Gestapo had sealed the front of his locker, so Groning simply took off the back.
Or convince Patrick to back off somehow.
- Back off, Beecher, back off.
If I back off, she backs off.
Then fell right back off the radar.
I paid for the room, so just back off.
You'll have to back off and stop following me.
Look, either back off or...
I can tell you to back off.
If anything goes wrong, back off and let us handle it.
Laguerta told me to back off, leave it to the FBI.
Or maybe Jenny could back off of me.
Buckley was warned to back off Danton.
I've got NTAC telling me to back off.
See if we can't convince him to back off.
Okay, you need to back off.
Look... just back off a little.
She never told you to back off.
We just came back off a three-month stint.
Don't leave, back off.

Alternatives:

back away
retreat
withdraw
move away
step back

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Simply backed off vs Simply back off