a move behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a move behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is at a disadvantage or not up to date compared to others. Example: "In the fast-paced world of technology, if you don't innovate regularly, you'll find yourself a move behind your competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Flushed with the success of 127 Hours, rising star James Franco is planning a move behind the camera to direct adaptations of two classic American novels.

The Guardian - Film

To be sure, each essay demonstrates an immense breadth of learning, and there are occasional moments of fine phrasing, as when Mr Coetzee observes of Jorge Luis Borges's teasing fiction that it "takes its course with the certainty of a game of chess in which the reader is always a move behind the author".

The Economist

A similar prank was orchestrated in June at Portsmouth Middle School in New Hampshire, where teachers had the opportunity to covertly bust a move behind their students' backs when asked to reflect on the school year.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Always move behind shelter.

WikiHow

Callahan made a spin move behind the net and centered in front, and.

The New York Times - Sports

Cera, who has recently made a tentative move behind the camera for the YouTube short films channel Jash, is also in line to direct and star in a new film.

The Guardian - Film

Holik banged home his fifth goal of the season from San Jose goaltender Vesa Toskala's doorstep after Kovalev made a nifty move behind the Sharks' net to shake defenseman Brad Stuart.

The New York Times - Sports

Beeman originally had Welling walk into frame and stand in front of Reeve, and then make a single move behind Reeve.

Wikipedia

Affleck, who has made an assured move behind the camera since filming Gone Baby Gone in 2007, is being tapped by studio Warner Brothers to direct.

The Guardian - Film

Edie was a moving force behind the restoration of the historic Herb Garden at the Bartow-Pell Mansion, The Bronx, NY.

The New York Times

Boiling in shame, he led his family into the shark-observation area, trudging onto a moving walkway behind other families and their strollers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a move behind" when you want to emphasize being strategically disadvantaged, especially in competitive scenarios like games, business, or technological advancements.

Common error

While "a move behind" is grammatically correct, it's less common than phrases like "a step behind" or "lagging behind". Opt for these alternatives when aiming for clarity and broader understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a move behind" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a state of being at a disadvantage. It often implies a strategic deficit, as shown in the Ludwig examples involving chess and competitive scenarios. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a move behind" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of strategic disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While less common than alternatives such as "a step behind" or "lagging behind", it emphasizes the strategic aspect of being behind, especially in competitive settings. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, but also in Wiki. When using the phrase, consider its subtle nuance and whether it accurately conveys the intended message of strategic disadvantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step behind

This alternative is a more common and slightly less emphatic way of saying "a move behind", indicating a small degree of being behind.

lagging behind

This alternative explicitly describes the action of falling behind, focusing on the process rather than the state.

falling behind

This alternative focuses on the process of losing ground or progress compared to others.

at a disadvantage

This alternative focuses on the resulting state, emphasizing the unfavorable position.

outpaced

This alternative focuses on the action of being surpassed by someone or something.

left in the dust

This alternative is more emphatic and conveys a larger degree of being surpassed or left behind.

trailing

This alternative suggests following at a distance, implying a lack of progress.

playing catch-up

This alternative focuses on the effort required to overcome the deficit and regain parity.

not keeping pace

This alternative emphasizes the inability to maintain the same rate of progress as others.

off the pace

This alternative indicates a deviation from the expected or required level of performance.

FAQs

How can I use "a move behind" in a sentence?

You can use "a move behind" to describe a situation where someone is at a strategic disadvantage, for example, "In chess, losing a key piece can leave you "a move behind" your opponent".

What can I say instead of "a move behind"?

You can use alternatives like "a step behind", "lagging behind", or "at a disadvantage" depending on the context.

Is "a move behind" the same as "a step behind"?

While similar, "a move behind" often implies a strategic disadvantage, particularly in games or competitive situations, while "a step behind" generally refers to being slightly behind in progress or knowledge.

Which is correct, "a move behind" or "behind a move"?

"A move behind" is the correct phrase to indicate a state of being at a disadvantage. "Behind a move" would typically describe a physical position or the reasoning or actions that led to a decision.