What Is the Preposition Behind Definition Rules and Examples
Let’s first know what prepositions are before coming to the examples on “Preposition Behind”. A preposition is any word or group of words that combine with a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun to represent a relationship between the noun and other components of a sentence, often another noun and verb. In other words, prepositions help us to understand the relationship between different nouns and verbs in a single sentence.
Also, prepositions show the relationship of time, space, or possession between a subject and the object of a sentence. Look at the examples below. Here, each preposition in bold helps us to better understand how prepositions represent a relationship between subject and object in a sentence.
The kid sat on the table.
The kid sat beside the table.
The kid sat at the table.
The kid sat under the table.
In the above examples, the prepositions on, beside, under, and at help us to understand the relationship between “The Kid” (subject of the sentence) and “The Table” (Object of the sentence).
What Does the Preposition “Behind” Mean?
In English, the preposition “Behind” is used before a noun or pronoun to represent that something is placed after a person or thing. For example,
Sita closed the door behind her.
He is behind his gifts.
Preposition “Behind”
List of Common Prepositions Used in Sentences Other Than ‘Behind’
Following is the list of prepositions that are commonly used in a sentence.
In
On
To
For
Of
By
From
At
With
About
Whom
Among
Inside
Infront
Let’s now look at the use of the preposition “Behind” in different situations.
Different Uses of the Preposition “Behind”
If something is behind a person or thing, then it implies that it is on the other side of them from you, or nearer to their back rather than their front. For example:
I put one of the pillows behind his back.
Women were parked behind the car.
The moon completely disappeared behind the cloud.
If a person is walking or travelling behind someone or something, then it implies that he/she is following them. For example:
Tina along with her children is walking behind them.
If a person is standing behind a desk, counter, or bar, then it implies that they are on the other side of it from where you are standing. For example:
The dog was sitting behind the desk.
He could observe the little men standing behind the counter.
When you close the door behind you, you shut it after you pass through it. For example:
Tina walked out and closed the door behind her.
The people, reason, or event behind the situation are the main cause of it. For example:
Tina is embarrassed about the reason behind the situation.
It is still unclear who was behind the murder.
If someone or something is behind you, they support and assist you. For example:
Ram had the Government’s judicial power behind him.
If you are behind someone, then it implies that you are less successful than them or have done something less. For example:
India finished second behind the Americans in the 800 metres race.
Oil production has already fallen behind population growth.
If you leave someone or something behind, you don’t take them with you when you go. For example:
Hitesh moved to America, leaving his father behind to run his business.
The rebels disappeared into the mountain, leaving behind their weapons and supplies.
If you stay behind someone, you remain in that place after other people have gone. For example:
If the students have missed the lesson, they have to stay behind until 5’0 clock to complete it.
About 1200 workers will remain behind to take care of the helipad.
If a particular achievement is behind you, you have to manage yourself to attain the achievement, and other people consider it to be more important or valuable. For example:
He has 10 years of loyal experience at TCS behind him.
20 Best Examples on the Preposition “Behind”
The children are behind the teacher.
The bedroom is behind the drawing room.
Tina sits behind me in class.
The performers were waiting to perform behind the curtain.
She ran off and hid behind her mother.
He was accidentally left behind.
He is behind his payments.
The children are behind their homework.
The gift had fallen behind the desk.
The Sun disappeared behind the trees.
The construction work is already behind schedule.
The Australian team is three points behind the winners.
What was the reason behind her decision to leave the office?
Someone grabbed her from behind.
She left her friend behind.
Sita remained behind.
She hid behind a tree.
She is an hour behind.
I was standing right behind Tina.
The children heard the sound of voices behind them.
She shut the door behind her.
Conclusion
In short, a preposition is a word that links the noun, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence. It is used before the noun, pronoun, or gerund to represent place(preposition of place), direction (preposition of movement), time (preposition of time), etc. in a sentence. The preposition behind is used before a noun or pronoun to represent that there is something in or towards the back.
FAQs on Preposition Behind in English with Clear Examples
1. What is the meaning of the preposition behind?
The preposition behind means at the back of someone or something, or in a position further back than another object. It is used to show place, position, or hidden location.
- Example (place): The car is parked behind the house.
- Example (hidden): She hid behind the door.
- It answers the question “Where?” in a sentence.
2. How do you use behind in a sentence?
You use behind before a noun or pronoun to show that something is at the back of another thing. The structure is: behind + noun/pronoun.
- Correct: The dog is behind the gate.
- Correct: He stood behind me.
- It functions as a preposition of place in grammar.
3. What are some example sentences with the preposition behind?
Here are clear examples of behind used as a preposition of place.
- The sun disappeared behind the clouds.
- There is a garden behind the building.
- She left her bag behind the chair.
- The child hid behind his mother.
4. What is the difference between behind and in front of?
The difference between behind and in front of is that behind means at the back, while in front of means at the front. They are opposite prepositions of place.
- Behind: The school is behind the library.
- In front of: The library is in front of the school.
5. Is behind a preposition or an adverb?
The word behind can function as both a preposition and an adverb depending on its use. It is a preposition when followed by an object and an adverb when it is not.
- Preposition: She sat behind me. (object = me)
- Adverb: He stayed behind. (no object)
6. Can behind be used to show time?
Yes, behind can be used to show delay in time or progress. In this case, it means not on schedule or late.
- Example: We are behind schedule.
- Example: He is behind in his studies.
7. What is the difference between behind and beside?
The difference between behind and beside is that behind means at the back of something, while beside means next to something. Both are prepositions of place.
- Behind: The cat is behind the sofa.
- Beside: The cat is beside the sofa.
8. What are common mistakes when using behind?
A common mistake when using behind is forgetting to add an object after it when used as a preposition. Behind usually needs a noun or pronoun.
- Incorrect: She stood behind the.
- Correct: She stood behind the door.
- Remember: Use behind + object in standard prepositional phrases.
9. Can behind be used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, behind is commonly used in English idioms and expressions. In these cases, the meaning may not be strictly about physical position.
- Behind the scenes – secretly or privately
- Behind someone’s back – without their knowledge
- Leave something behind – forget or not take something
10. What type of preposition is behind in English grammar?
In English grammar, behind is mainly classified as a preposition of place because it shows spatial position. It tells us where something is located.
- It answers the question: “Where?”
- It is followed by a noun or pronoun.
- Example: The keys are behind the table.
