Let it be known that the word “backup” is a noun (it refers to a thing), and “back up” is a verb (it refers to an action.
- I’m going to back up the database.
- It will produce a backup.
- I’ll save that backup until we back up the database three more times.
This is how the terms are used throughout Books Online. I don’t really care if you use it wrong. I just thought you should know.
And most importantly, “Back it up” is a song. By Fetty Wap. Apparently. You’re welcome.
Good call, good call. Righty-oh, then.
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“The database was down, but it’s back up, now.”
That’s how we do it in Texas.
I can get behind that.
Your use of “back up” is correct, but your unnecessary comma immediately following it is not.
Actually I don’t know that that’s INcorrect, either. I think rule 2 on this page applies: http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/commas.asp
You could say “The database is back up now” or “The database is now back up”; I know “now” is adverbial, but it probably still applies.
Rule 2 doesn’t apply because “now” is an adverb, not an adjective. It further qualifies the verb “is”, which is part of the contraction “it’s”.
Martin’s sentence is syntactically correct when you remove the second comma.
The database’s back is now up.
This is 100% correct, and it is merely one example of a general rule about English phrasal verbs and the associated nouns. See the following article:
http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/phrasal.html
Marvelous! I love finding the proper name for a thing. “Phrasal verbs,” got it.
Reminds me of an old Calvin and Hobbes comic: “Verbing weirds language.”
http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2013/01/28
Also, logon is a noun and to log on is the verb.
When I saw this post I had to backup and take a closer look. Alas my first attempt failed, but it was soon back up and ready for me to take a look.
Fifty years ago, it was taught that way in my high school English class. Mrs. Cox wouldn’t lie to me.