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Angliholic Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Jack is backing up.

Jack and Laura are in their car. Jack is backing up.

Hi,
Is "up" in the above optional? Thanks.
  

Top answer

Probably. The usual phrase is backing up the car , I think-- at least for short distances.

— Mister Micawber

  • Probably.
  • The usual phrase is backing up the car , I think-- at least for short distances.
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5 Answers
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Probably. The usual phrase is backing up the car, I think-- at least for short distances.
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I would not omit "up".
CJ
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CalifJim I would not omit "up".

CJ


Thanks, Mister and Jim.

But could you tell me why? It seems to me that "up" is optional.

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You might say, "I failed the backing portion of my driving test." "I'm not very good at backing [up]." (I'd say optional here.) There are certain expresssions which grow up around "new technologies." You'd speak to a car differently than you'd speak to a horse. "Okay - back 'er up!" "Fill 'er up" (with gasoline). When you include the object (car) the "up" may become optional. Be ca
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AngliholicBut could you tell me why? It seems to me that "up" is optional.
I don't have an answer as to why. It's just that I am unable to assign any coherent meaning to "Jack is backing". It sounds incomplete. It could even be the beginning of "Jack is backing Smith for dog catcher" (Jack is supporting Smith to be elected as dog catcher.)
Avangi has
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