Mastering “Behind”: Prepositional Usage and Examples

The preposition “behind” is a versatile word in the English language, serving various functions related to position, concealment, support, and even abstract concepts like cause. Understanding its nuances is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “behind” correctly, covering its definitions, structural roles, different categories of usage, common mistakes, and practical exercises. Whether you’re an ESL student, a writer seeking precision, or simply someone looking to refine their grammar skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice to confidently use “behind” in your speech and writing.

By exploring numerous examples and detailed explanations, you’ll gain a solid grasp of this essential preposition and avoid common errors. This article caters to both beginners and advanced learners, offering progressively challenging content to enhance your understanding.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Behind”
3. Etymology
4. Grammatical Function
5. Structural Breakdown
6. Types of Usage
7. Location
8. Sequence
9. Responsibility
10. Support
11. Progress
12. Examples of “Behind” in Sentences
13. Location Examples
14. Sequence Examples
15. Responsibility Examples
16. Support Examples
17. Progress Examples
18. Usage Rules
19. Formal vs. Informal Usage
20. Prepositional Phrases with “Behind”
21. Common Mistakes
22. Practice Exercises
23. Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
24. Exercise 2: Sentence Correction
25. Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
26. Advanced Topics
27. Idiomatic Expressions with “Behind”
28. “Behind” as an Adverb
29. Frequently Asked Questions
30. Conclusion

Definition of “Behind”

The word “behind” primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or noun, with its most common usage being a preposition. As a preposition, it indicates the location of something in relation to something else, typically to the rear or further back. However, its usage extends beyond simple spatial relationships to include concepts of time, responsibility, and causation.

Etymology

The word “behind” originates from the Old English word “bihindan,” which combines “bi” (by, near) and “hindan” (from behind). This etymological root clearly reflects its core meaning of being at or toward the back of something.

Grammatical Function

As a preposition, “behind” is typically followed by a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to form a prepositional phrase. This phrase then modifies another word or phrase in the sentence, providing information about location, time, cause, or other relationships. For example, in the sentence “The cat is behind the sofa,” “behind the sofa” is a prepositional phrase where “sofa” is the object of the preposition.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving “behind” as a preposition is as follows:

[Subject] + [Verb] + [Behind + Object of Preposition]

For instance:

• The tree is behind the house.
• She left her worries behind her.
• He is the man behind this project.

In each of these examples, “behind” connects the subject and verb to an object, illustrating the spatial or conceptual relationship.

Types of Usage

“Behind” can be used in various contexts, each conveying a slightly different meaning. Understanding these nuances helps in using the word accurately and effectively.

Location

This is the most common usage, indicating a spatial relationship where one thing is located at the back of another. It describes physical position relative to something else.

Sequence

In this context, “behind” indicates a temporal relationship, meaning later in time or after something else. It signifies being delayed or lagging.

Responsibility

“Behind” can denote the person or entity responsible for something, often implying support or control. It indicates the driving force or influence.

Support

Similar to responsibility, “behind” can imply support for a cause, person, or idea. It suggests backing or advocacy.

Progress

Here, “behind” indicates a lack of progress or being in arrears, often in terms of schedule or expectations. It suggests falling short or lagging.

Examples of “Behind” in Sentences

To solidify your understanding, let’s explore numerous examples of “behind” used in different contexts.

Location Examples

The following table provides sentences where “behind” indicates a physical location.

In the following table, we will examine a range of examples that highlight the use of “behind” to describe physical location. These examples will help you understand how to use “behind” to accurately convey spatial relationships.

#	Sentence
1	The car is parked behind the garage.
2	The children hid behind the tree during the game.
3	The moon disappeared behind the clouds.
4	The house is located behind the shopping mall.
5	She left her umbrella behind the door.
6	The cat likes to sleep behind the radiator.
7	The secret garden is behind the old wall.
8	He found a coin behind the sofa cushions.
9	The sun set behind the mountains.
10	The key was hidden behind the flowerpot.
11	The shadow stretched behind the building.
12	I could hear noises coming from behind the shed.
13	The artist signed his name behind the canvas.
14	The detective searched behind the bookcase for clues.
15	The lost letter was found behind the filing cabinet.
16	The stream flows behind the meadow.
17	The old well is located behind the farmhouse.
18	The stagehand waited behind the curtain.
19	The getaway car was waiting behind the warehouse.
20	The hikers rested behind the large rock.
21	She kept her diary hidden behind a stack of books.
22	The children built a fort behind the bushes.
23	He always felt safer when walking behind his friend.
24	The bird built its nest behind the loose shutter.
25	The treasure was buried behind the ancient oak tree.

Sequence Examples

This table illustrates the use of “behind” to indicate a temporal order or delay.

In the following table, we will explore how “behind” is used to indicate sequence, particularly when something is delayed or lagging in time. Understanding this usage of “behind” is useful for describing situations where timing or progress are involved.

#	Sentence
1	He is behind schedule on the project.
2	The train was running behind time due to the storm.
3	She fell behind in her studies after being sick.
4	They are behind on their mortgage payments.
5	The company is behind its competitors in innovation.
6	He felt behind the times with the new technology.
7	The project is several weeks behind deadline.
8	We are behind in our fundraising goals.
9	The team is behind by ten points in the game.
10	She is behind her classmates in reading comprehension.
11	The factory is behind in production this month.
12	The government is behind in implementing new policies.
13	The car was behind the others in the race.
14	I am behind on my emails because I was on vacation.
15	The city is behind in its infrastructure development.
16	The student is behind in turning in assignments.
17	The country is behind in reaching its emissions targets.
18	The small business is behind in paying its suppliers.
19	The research team is behind in analyzing the data.
20	The construction company is behind in finishing the building.
21	He felt behind after missing several lectures.
22	The runner was behind at the start of the marathon.
23	She’s always felt behind in her career compared to her peers.
24	They are behind on their tax filings.
25	Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are behind.

Responsibility Examples

This table showcases how “behind” can indicate the person or entity responsible for something.

In this table, we will explore examples that illustrate how “behind” is used to indicate responsibility or the driving force behind an action or project. These examples will help you understand how to attribute agency using “behind.”

#	Sentence
1	There’s a lot of effort behind this success.
2	Who is the person behind this initiative?
3	He is the mastermind behind the plan.
4	She is the driving force behind the charity.
5	The company’s success is behind the innovative team.
6	The organization behind the event is well-respected.
7	We need to find out who is behind the rumors.
8	The government is behind the new legislation.
9	The artist’s inspiration is behind her beautiful paintings.
10	The scientist is behind the groundbreaking research.
11	The community is behind the effort to clean up the park.
12	The coach is behind the team’s improved performance.
13	The author is behind the bestselling novel.
14	The inventor is behind the revolutionary technology.
15	The activist is behind the movement for social change.
16	The teacher is behind the students’ academic achievements.
17	The programmer is behind the innovative software.
18	The chef is behind the restaurant’s culinary success.
19	The manager is behind the team’s productivity.
20	The leader is behind the organization’s growth.
21	The truth is behind the lies.
22	What’s behind your decision?
23	The publisher is behind the book’s success.
24	The community support is behind the project’s progress.
25	His motivation is behind his hard work.

Support Examples

This table provides examples of “behind” indicating support for someone or something.

In the following table, we will examine how “behind” is used to express support for a cause, person, or idea. These examples will illustrate how to use “behind” to show your backing or advocacy.

#	Sentence
1	I am fully behind your decision.
2	The entire team is behind the new strategy.
3	The community is behind the efforts to improve the school.
4	The company is behind the initiative to reduce waste.
5	The government is behind the plan to create jobs.
6	The organization is behind the campaign for human rights.
7	The family is behind their son’s dream of becoming a doctor.
8	The fans are behind their favorite team.
9	The investors are behind the startup company.
10	The volunteers are behind the project to build houses for the homeless.
11	The employees are behind the new management team.
12	The students are behind the proposal to create a new club.
13	The parents are behind the school’s efforts to improve safety.
14	The citizens are behind the movement to protect the environment.
15	The donors are behind the charity’s mission to help children.
16	The sponsors are behind the athlete’s quest for a gold medal.
17	The neighbors are behind the effort to revitalize the neighborhood.
18	The alumni are behind the university’s fundraising campaign.
19	The board is behind the CEO’s vision for the future.
20	The researchers are behind the effort to find a cure for the disease.
21	I’m behind you all the way.
22	We’re behind this initiative 100%.
23	The organization stands behind its members.
24	The evidence behind the theory is compelling.
25	The public is largely behind the new policy.

Progress Examples

This table illustrates how “behind” indicates a lack of progress or being in arrears.

In this table, we will explore the use of “behind” to indicate a lack of progress or being in arrears, often in terms of schedule or expectations. These examples will help you describe situations where something is falling short or lagging.

#	Sentence
1	The project is behind schedule due to unforeseen delays.
2	She is behind on her rent and facing eviction.
3	The company is behind its sales goals for the quarter.
4	He is behind in his studies and needs to catch up.
5	The team is behind in completing the report.
6	The construction is behind the planned timeline.
7	The country is behind in meeting its environmental targets.
8	The department is behind in processing the applications.
9	The campaign is behind its fundraising target.
10	The research is behind in producing conclusive results.
11	The factory is behind in fulfilling customer orders.
12	The government is behind in implementing the new policies.
13	The organization is behind in addressing the critical issues.
14	The university is behind in upgrading its facilities.
15	The hospital is behind in adopting the latest technology.
16	The library is behind in cataloging the new books.
17	The museum is behind in curating the new exhibit.
18	The theater is behind in rehearsing the upcoming play.
19	The orchestra is behind in practicing for the concert.
20	The choir is behind in learning the new songs.
21	We’re falling behind on our goals.
22	They are behind with the payments.
23	The project is seriously behind.
24	I’m behind on my reading.
25	We’re starting to get behind.

Usage Rules

Using “behind” correctly involves understanding certain rules and conventions. Here’s a breakdown:

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In most contexts, “behind” is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, some idiomatic expressions using “behind” might be more common in informal settings.

Prepositional Phrases with “Behind”

“Behind” typically introduces a prepositional phrase. The object of the preposition can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. The prepositional phrase modifies a noun or verb, adding details about location, time, cause, or other relationships.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is confusing “behind” with “beside.” “Behind” indicates being at the back, while “beside” means next to. Another error is using “behind” when “after” is more appropriate for indicating sequence.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
The cat is beside the sofa (intending to mean at the back).	The cat is behind the sofa.	“Beside” means next to, not at the back.
She arrived behind him (intending to mean after him).	She arrived after him.	“After” is more appropriate for indicating sequence in this context.
He left the keys behind him home.	He left the keys behind at home.	Missing preposition ‘at’ to correctly indicate location.

Practice Exercises

Test your knowledge with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition: “behind”.

#	Question	Answer
1	The sun set ______ the mountains.	behind
2	He is ______ schedule on his project.	behind
3	Who is the person ______ this decision?	behind
4	I am standing ______ you.	behind
5	The truth is always ______ the lies.	behind
6	She felt ______ after missing several classes.	behind
7	The dog is ______ the couch.	behind
8	We are ______ in our payments.	behind
9	What’s ______ your reasoning?	behind
10	The best is yet to come, it’s ______ us.	behind

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Identify and correct the sentences that incorrectly use “behind”.

#	Question	Answer
1	The store is beside the bank.	Incorrect. Correct: The store is behind the bank.
2	She walked behind me.	Correct.
3	The reason behind this is clear.	Correct.
4	He arrived behind schedule than expected.	Incorrect. Correct: He arrived later than expected.
5	I left my wallet behind of the table.	Incorrect. Correct: I left my wallet behind the table.
6	They stayed behind after the party.	Correct.
7	The secret is behind the locked door.	Correct.
8	The accident put him behind on his works.	Incorrect. Correct: The accident put him behind on his work.
9	We are all behind you in this journey.	Correct.
10	The truth is beside the lies.	Incorrect. Correct: The truth is behind the lies.

Exercise 3: Sentence Construction

Create sentences using “behind” in the specified contexts.

#	Context	Example Sentence
1	Location	The garden is hidden behind the house.
2	Sequence	The project fell behind schedule due to the storm.
3	Responsibility	The CEO is behind the company’s success.
4	Support	I am completely behind your decision.
5	Progress	He is behind in his studies and needs extra help.
6	Location	The playground is just behind the school.
7	Sequence	She is behind on her bills this month.
8	Responsibility	The research team is behind the new discovery.
9	Support	The entire community is behind the new initiative.
10	Progress	The construction is behind the original timeline.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, let’s delve into more complex aspects of “behind.”

Idiomatic Expressions with “Behind”

English includes several idiomatic expressions using “behind,” such as:

• Behind bars: In prison.
• Behind the scenes: Not publicly visible; in a private or concealed way.
• Behind closed doors: In private, secretly.
• Get behind someone/something: Support or promote someone/something.

“Behind” as an Adverb

“Behind” can also function as an adverb, meaning at or toward the back. For example: “The children lagged behind.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about using “behind”:

1. What is the difference between “behind” and “after”?

   “Behind” primarily indicates spatial position or responsibility/support. “After” mainly indicates sequence in time. While both can relate to order, “after” is specifically temporal, while “behind” can suggest a more general lagging or causal relationship.

2. Can “behind” be used with abstract nouns?

   Yes, “behind” can be used with abstract nouns to indicate responsibility, support, or causation. For example, “the idea behind the project” or “the motivation behind his actions.”

3. Is it correct to say “I’m behind you” to offer support?

   Yes, “I’m behind you” is a common and perfectly acceptable way to express support for someone. It means you are supporting their decisions or actions.

4. What’s the difference between “behind” and “underneath” when describing location?

   “Behind” means at or toward the back of something, while “underneath” means directly below something. They describe different spatial relationships.

5. How can I avoid misusing “behind” in my writing?

   Pay attention to the context and intended meaning. Consider whether you are describing a spatial relationship, a temporal sequence, responsibility, support, or progress. Choose the preposition that best conveys your intended meaning.

6. When should I use “in back of” instead of “behind”?

   “In back of” and “behind” are often interchangeable when describing location. However, “behind” is generally more concise and preferred in formal writing. “In back of” is more common in American English.

7. Can “behind” be used to describe something hidden?

   Yes, “behind” often implies concealment or being out of sight. For example, “The treasure was hidden behind a rock.”

8. Is “behind” only used in a negative context (e.g., being behind schedule)?

   No, “behind” is not always negative. While it can indicate a lack of progress, it can also be neutral (describing location) or positive (indicating support). The context determines the connotation.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “behind” requires understanding its various functions and contexts. From indicating physical location to denoting responsibility and support, this preposition plays a crucial role in effective communication. By studying the examples, usage rules, and practice exercises in this article, you can confidently use “behind” in your speech and writing.

Remember to pay attention to the context and intended meaning to avoid common mistakes. With practice and careful consideration, you can seamlessly integrate “behind” into your vocabulary and enhance your overall grammar skills. Keep exploring and refining your understanding of prepositions to become a more proficient and articulate English speaker and writer.