Phrasal Verb - Back Down

Study the vocabulary list and complete the activities below.

• Back down (Intransitive): To admit that you were wrong, to stop demanding something, or to withdraw from a position or claim, especially during a disagreement or argument.
  • Both politicians refused to back down during the intense debate.
• Back down + from + [noun/gerund]: To stop participating in an argument or challenge.
  • Realizing she was wrong, Sarah finally backed down from the argument.
• Back down + on + [noun]: To change your mind about a specific demand or plan.
  • The company had to back down on its new policy after the employees protested.

ACTIVITIES

Exercise 1: Unscramble the Sentences

Drag and drop the words into the blue box to form complete and correct sentences.

to refused manager The down back .

from argument backed down He the .

eventually down back will government The .

down Why you back did ?

on down backed They original their plan .

Exercise 2: True or False

Read the sentences below and decide if the meaning of "back down" is True (T) or False (F) based on the context.

1. "She realized she made a mistake and backed down." This means she stopped arguing and accepted she was wrong.

2. If you "back down," you continue fighting aggressively for what you want.

3. When the company "backed down from" the project, it means they completed it successfully.

4. "He never backs down from a challenge." This means he is brave and faces difficulties head-on.

5. "Backing down" is a physical exercise you do at the gym to make your back stronger.

Exercise 3: Reading Comprehension

Read the short dialogue below and choose the correct answer for each question.

Mark: Did you talk to the landlord about the rent increase?

Lisa: Yes, I did. It was a tough conversation.

Mark: Did he back down on the price?

Lisa: Not at first. He said the building maintenance was too expensive. But after I showed him the broken window and the leaking pipe, he finally backed down.

Mark: That's great! So, what did he agree to?

Lisa: He backed down from a 10% increase to just a 2% increase. I'm glad I didn't back down when he tried to ignore my complaints.

1. Why was Lisa talking to the landlord?

2. Did the landlord back down immediately?

3. What made the landlord finally back down?

4. What was the final result after the landlord backed down?

5. Did Lisa back down during the negotiation?