a few feet back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few feet back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or distance that is slightly behind a certain point or object. Example: "The car was parked a few feet back from the curb to allow for easier access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Second, step a few feet back to avoid looking threatening.

The New York Times

He turned into a garage a few feet back of his residence and within the curtilage.

Cornell University

A few feet back, Henson and Walton Hamilton watched on a monitor.

The New Yorker

Based on the commands Mr. Heverly entered, Opportunity understood that it needed to return to a spot a few feet back.

The New York Times - Science

A house is unfortunately situated just a few feet back from the scarp — in a few more years it is likely to be falling down the cliff.

The New York Times

Recently, I think we've slid a few feet back down the well in America, and I hope we're going to arrest the tide of that slippage in Europe.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But considering the current high player prices, limited content and uncertainty over which format to purchase, it may be more tempting to buy a good upconverting DVD player and sit a few feet farther back from the TV.

The New York Times - Tech

And here he is, at a stoplight on Wade Green Road, trying to cross the street but not making it, walking out a few feet and then back, out and back, head bowed, smiling.

The New York Times

When he rolled over, Rachel was standing just a few feet away, her back to Dom.

The New Yorker

The sorrel for that came from the Levys' kitchen garden, a few feet from the back door.

The New Yorker

It traversed the wall for a few feet, then dropped back onto the field and slipped past Gardner, rolling into the corner as Reddick scored to make it 5-5.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or directions, use "a few feet back" to specify a precise but small adjustment in position. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague terms like "nearby" or "around there" when "a few feet back" provides a more specific and easily understood spatial reference. Clear communication is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few feet back" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to specify the direction and distance of movement or placement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few feet back" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short distance behind something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this prepositional phrase functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, offering spatial clarity in both formal and informal contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it can also appear in academic settings. When writing, use it to precisely indicate a small adjustment in position, avoiding vagueness. For alternatives, consider options like "slightly behind" or "a short distance away" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly behind

Indicates a position just behind something.

a short distance away

Emphasizes the proximity but maintains a separation.

just behind

Highlights the closeness of the position.

a little further back

Suggests a repositioning to a point slightly more rearward.

a step behind

Implies a following position, metaphorically or literally.

in the background

Indicates something is not in the immediate foreground.

receding slightly

Describes a gradual movement away from the front.

spaced slightly back

Focuses on the spacing and arrangement of elements.

set back a little

Emphasizes the intentional placement of something behind.

pulled back slightly

Implies a deliberate retraction or withdrawal.

FAQs

How can I use "a few feet back" in a sentence?

You can use "a few feet back" to describe the position of an object or person relative to another. For example, "The chair was placed "a few feet back" from the desk."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a few feet back"?

Some alternatives include "slightly behind", "a short distance away", or "just behind". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of precision.

Is it more accurate to say "a few feet back" or "several feet back"?

"A few feet back" implies a smaller distance, typically less than five feet. "Several feet back" suggests a greater distance, usually more than five feet. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual distance.

When is it appropriate to use "a few feet back" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a few feet back" when you need to provide a relatively precise indication of distance without being overly specific. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.