Phrasal verb
back into
Meanings
to move backward into a parking space, driveway, or other place (often in a vehicle)
to accidentally move backward and hit or bump something or someone
Definition
To back into something means to move backward into a place or position, often with a vehicle.
To back into something is to enter a space by moving in reverse. It is commonly used for parking a car or reversing into a driveway or garage. It can also describe accidentally moving backward into a person or object.
Examples
- I always back into the driveway because it’s easier to leave later.
- You should back into the space slowly and check your mirrors.
- He tried to back into the garage, but he stopped to straighten the car.
- She backed into a chair while taking photos and quickly apologized.
- They backed into the loading bay with a spotter guiding them.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "back into" (move in reverse) with "back out of" (leave by reversing) and use the wrong one for the direction of movement.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.