a period behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a period behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is trailing or following another element, often in a sequence or list. Example: "In the sentence, make sure to place a period behind the last word to indicate the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The German had built a 20-second lead but a period behind the safety car bunched up the field and soon after the race resumed his alternator failed, ending his grand prix on lap 35.

BBC

It was as if no one dared to start things up again after Peony had so gently put a period behind it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the wake of the parting of the ways with Craig Levein, a period of behind-closed-doors regrouping would doubtless have suited the Scottish Football Association too.

BBC

They normally have a period of intense, behind-the-scenes disagreement -- and then they all appear before the cameras with smiles and identical soundbites to describe the agreed-upon stance on policy.

Huffington Post

And if he really thought he would spend only a token period behind bars before being released and given a travel warrant to Margate to collect his pint of warm beer, he was being naive in the extreme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Teng Biao, who has known Li since 2004, said he feared his friend was facing a long period behind bars.

The Guardian

Woakes has put a fallow period behind him with successive four-wicket hauls in the last two ODIs to help England to win each match.

Independent

The head of the Jefferies Group was one of the better-paid chief executives on Wall Street in 2012, as the firm put a difficult period behind it.

The New York Times

DealBook » Chief of the Jefferies Group Earned $19 Million in 2012 | Richard B. Handler was one of the better-paid chief executives on Wall Street in 2012, as the firm put a difficult period behind it, William Alden reported.

The New York Times

This was followed by a period in reserve behind the lines, before the battalion was shipped to Belgium in preparation for its service in the Passchendaele offensive.

Wikipedia

A Historic Agreement Signed and Soon to be Ratified In November 2015 at the COP21, after a long period of behind-the-curtain negotiations, the historic Paris agreement was signed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a period behind", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'period' refers to. For example, specify if it's a historical period, a time in a sports game, or a phase in a project.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what 'period' means. For instance, instead of just saying "development lagged a period behind", clarify which period of development you are referencing. For example: "development lagged a quarter behind the initial projections".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a period behind" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It describes a state of being later or less advanced compared to something else, often implying a delay or a lagging position. Ludwig AI also indicates the phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a period behind" correctly describes a state of being delayed or lagging in time or sequence. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its occurrence is infrequent, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reference point of the 'period'. Alternative phrases like "lagging behind" or "following a timeframe" can provide more precision in formal settings. The phrase is generally acceptable but use should be guided by the intended audience and the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a timeframe

Indicates something that occurs after a specific duration.

after an interval

Implies a lapse of time before something happens.

subsequent to a duration

Formally denotes an event happening after a certain time has passed.

trailing a phase

Suggests something is lagging or coming after a specific stage.

later than a cycle

Indicates an occurrence after a full rotation or cycle of events.

behind a lapse

Highlights a delay or being after a certain period of inactivity or pause.

post a chapter

Signifies the end of a distinct part or episode.

following an epoch

Emphasizes an event taking place after a significant period in history or someone's life.

after the completion of a term

Specifies the conclusion of a defined duration or assignment.

in the wake of a stage

Indicates that something is happening after a particular phase is already over.

FAQs

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

You can use "a period behind" to indicate that something is trailing or following another element in a sequence or list. For example: "Their sales were consistently "a period behind" our company's numbers".

What's a more common way to express "a period behind"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "lagging behind", "following a timeframe", or "after an interval", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a period behind" in formal writing?

Yes, "a period behind" is grammatically correct. However, consider the audience. In some formal settings, more precise terms like "subsequent to a duration" might be preferred for clarity.

What does it mean when something is "a period behind"?

It typically means that something is occurring later or is less advanced than something else by a specific measure of time or stage. It implies a comparison and a degree of being delayed or less developed. Consider replacing it by "post a chapter" or "behind a lapse" to avoid ambiguity.