Conjugation

Step back

reculer

Regular verb, phrasal verb.

  • Phrasal verb: back

    Only step changes; back stays the same: stepped back, stepped back.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't step back, he doesn't step back.

    1. I / you / we / they step back
    2. he / she / it steps back

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am stepping back
    2. you / we / they are stepping back
    3. he / she / it is stepping back

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't step back.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they stepped back

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to step back
    2. you / we / they are going to step back
    3. he / she / it is going to step back

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't step back.

    1. (you) step back
    2. let's step back