a guy behind this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guy behind this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is responsible for or involved in a particular situation or project. Example: "There’s a guy behind this whole operation who has been working tirelessly to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another NBC executive said that Mr. Shapiro had hoped that the Iraqis pressured Mr. Arnett in the interview and that he would say, "There was a guy behind this orange curtain with an AK-47".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was about 10 feet away from the guy (he was a guy) behind the counter.

Huffington Post

If there isn't a guy behind the wall then be patient.

WikiHow

**June 1st ** Acquired more #happiness from a guy behind a gas station.

The New Yorker

There's probably a guy behind there who sells drugs".

Wikipedia

I see a guy behind an amp.

Vice

A guy behind me was passed out, drooling.

Vice

"There's a guy behind him in Andrew Wheeler who's really qualified too," Inhofe said.

Huffington Post

What makes this film particularly bedeviling is that you get the sense there is a nice guy behind this mess, one not so callous about matters of the heart.

Los Angeles Times

Michael is the guy behind this girl, who is a musician named Jess.

Vice

Cover Artist: YouTube stars Alex Goot, Kurt Schneider (the guy behind this amazing video) and Chrissy Costanza.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to sound more professional, replace the word "guy" with other words like "person", "individual", or "official".

Common error

While "a guy behind this" is acceptable, avoid it in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "the individual responsible" or "the project lead" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guy behind this" functions as a nominal phrase, identifying an individual associated with or responsible for something. It commonly serves as a subject complement or appositive, providing additional information about a person's role or involvement, as seen in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guy behind this" is a common phrase used to indicate someone is responsible for or involved in something, as confirmed by Ludwig. While generally acceptable and frequently found in news and media contexts, its informal tone may not be suitable for formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "the person responsible" or "the individual in charge" offer a more professional substitute. It's important to consider the context when using this phrase to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the person responsible for this

Replaces "guy" with a more formal "person" and explicitly states responsibility.

the individual behind this

Substitutes "guy" with "individual" for a slightly more formal tone.

the one who orchestrated this

Emphasizes the planning and execution aspect of being "behind" something.

the mastermind behind this

Highlights the intelligence and strategic thinking involved.

the driving force behind this

Focuses on the energy and motivation aspect of the person's involvement.

the architect of this

Implies a structured and deliberate approach to creating something.

the creator of this

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

the person in charge of this

Focuses on the leadership and management role.

the lead on this

A more informal way of indicating the person who is primarily responsible.

the force behind this

Highlights the power and influence wielded by the individual.

FAQs

What does "a guy behind this" mean?

It refers to a man who is responsible for or heavily involved in something, often an event, plan, or project.

What can I say instead of "a guy behind this"?

You can use alternatives like "the person responsible for this", "the individual behind this", or "the driving force behind this" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a guy behind this" in formal writing?

It's generally better to avoid "a guy behind this" in formal writing. More formal alternatives like "the person in charge" or "the lead on this" are more suitable.

How can I use "a guy behind this" in a sentence?

You might say, "He's the "mastermind behind this" whole operation," or "I want to thank the "architect of this" successful project, he's the "guy behind this"".