Meaning trap
back up
reverse a vehicle
To move a car or other vehicle backwards.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To move a car or other vehicle backwards.
Another meaning of 'back up' is 'support someone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Could you back up a little so I can get out?
When I took my driving test, I had to back up the car into a parking space.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He backed up from the driveway.
Say: He backed out of the driveway.
To leave a space in reverse it's 'back out of'; plain 'back up' is just moving backwards.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Back up' is the natural verb for reversing a car (esp. AmE); the formal paraphrase is odd.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
back up (a vehicle)
- the car
- a bit
- slowly
- into
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- back up (support someone) — Another meaning of 'back up' is 'support someone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.