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All confusables

Back up / Backup

Different forms

Back up is the verb; backup is the noun or adjective.

Back up

Use when

You need the verb meaning make a copy for recovery or provide support.

Example

“Back up the database before applying the migration.”

Backup

Use when

You need the noun or adjective for a recovery copy, system or role.

Example

“Store the encrypted backup in a separate region.”

Quick check

backup the database, create a back up, back-up the files

Source checked 2026-08-11 (opens in a new tab)