Learning "back down" and "back off"

2. Phrasal Verbs in English
A-C
Lesson 1: Add up (I and II), and up to
Lesson 2: Back down and off
Lesson 3: Back up (I, II, and III)
Lesson 4: Blow up (I, II, and III)
Lesson 5: Break down (I, II, and III)
Lesson 6: Bring up (I and II)
Lesson 7: Call off and on
Lesson 8: Check into, off, and out of
Lesson 9: Come across, down with, and to (I and II)
Lesson 10: Count on and cut back on

3. Separable vs. Inseparable
Some phrasal verbs can be
separated…
For example:
I will add up the total.
OK!
I will add the total up.
OK!
but some cannot!
For example:
The teacher never calls
on you in class.
OK!
The teacher never calls
you on in class
NOT OK!

4. Back down
Definition
To not follow a threat; withdraw
(Inseparable)
He backed down when he saw the large man about to
fight.

5. Now, make your own sentence
using “back down”!
See how many sentences you can make in 3
minutes.

6. Back off
Definition:
To not follow a threat; withdraw
(Inseparable)
Same as “back down,” but often used in a command
instead
Back off! I don’t want to have to fight you!

7. Now, make your own sentence
using “back off”!
See how many sentences you can make in 3
minutes.

8. Questions and Homework
Do you have any questions?
For homework: Write a paragraph about a situation
in your everyday life using one of the phrasal verbs
we learned. We’ll talk about it next time!