Phrasal verb
inch back
Definition
phrasal verb. To move backwards very slowly, bit by bit. You use this when you are moving carefully in a tight space.
phrasal verb. To move or cause to move backwards in small, deliberate increments. It functions both intransitively and transitively, often carrying a connotation of caution or difficulty.
Examples
“The cat inched back when it saw the large dog.”
“The driver had to inch back slowly to give the truck enough room to turn the corner.”
“As the evidence against the theory mounted, the lead researcher began to inch back from her original hypothesis during the press conference.”
Examples
simple
“The cat inched back when it saw the large dog.”
contextual
“The driver had to inch back slowly to give the truck enough room to turn the corner.”
complex
“As the evidence against the theory mounted, the lead researcher began to inch back from her original hypothesis during the press conference.”
Usage
It can describe physical movement or a gradual change in an opinion or position.
Teaching tip
Use this to show how nouns for measurements can become verbs that describe a specific manner of movement.
Pitfall
He inched back the car quickly.
He backed the car up quickly.
The verb 'inch' specifically means to move very slowly, making it incompatible with the adverb 'quickly'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
inch + (object) + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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