Announcement: Backup(n.) vs Back Up(v.)

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.

dongill
He was head of Books Online for half of forever. So, yeah.

15 thoughts on “Announcement: Backup(n.) vs Back Up(v.)

  1. Donna

    And most importantly, “Back it up” is a song. By Fetty Wap. Apparently. You’re welcome.

  2. Pingback: Grammar Time With Jen – Curated SQL

  3. Martin E Cook

    “The database was down, but it’s back up, now.”
    That’s how we do it in Texas.

    1. Jeff Bowers

      Your use of “back up” is correct, but your unnecessary comma immediately following it is not.

        1. Jeff Bowers

          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.

  4. A4P

    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.

  5. Martin E Cook

    Fifty years ago, it was taught that way in my high school English class. Mrs. Cox wouldn’t lie to me.

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