a secret behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secret behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an undisclosed reason or explanation for something, often implying that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Example: "There is a secret behind her sudden departure that no one seems to know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There's a secret behind the secret.

The New York Times

"I think it's because something in Dylan's writing leads people to believe that there is a secret behind every song.

The New Yorker

She was wrapped in a mother-love so stifling, from the embracing Madonna arms to the long, soft fingers caressing her head, that she became desperate to break away.There was a secret behind the intensity of that love.

The Economist

When Mr. McGregor, sensing a secret behind his predecessor's death, stumbles onto the marvels of a GPS system and clinches a connection through an elementary Google search, the crisis that has been conjured, dark though it is meant to seem, feels not chillingly alien but sadly archaic — rather as if Mr. Polanski, at age 76, had bumped into the conspiracy of 21st-century household technology.

The New York Times

There is a secret behind every open office in Silicon Valley — and it isn't the drain on productivity.

TechCrunch

However, Schur did reveal a secret behind the other standout moment of the night: Jerry's fart attack.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I always harbor the hope that behind everything that's just too pretty to look at, be it a glorious work of art, some natural wonder, or Joe Jonas's new body, there's a secret behind-the-scenes shit show that made the beauty possible and leaves me off the hook for my inferiority.

Vice

Presumably it will be a free vote, but of course a free vote is always treated by the whips as an unfettered opportunity for secret behind-the-scenes arm-twisting, and that will need to be vigorously countered.

The Guardian - Opinion

A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London's grandest postcode".

The Guardian

There was a secret door behind the bar, for escapes into the alley during police raids.

The New Yorker

It seems to hold a secret, but behind the first there hides another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a secret behind" when you want to subtly suggest that there's more to a situation than is immediately apparent. This can create intrigue and invite curiosity.

Common error

Avoid using "a secret behind" when a simple explanation suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secret behind" functions as a noun phrase modifier, often acting as a prepositional phrase indicating a hidden or underlying cause, motive, or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a secret behind" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating a hidden or underlying reason, motive, or explanation. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage should be thoughtful, avoiding overuse in straightforward contexts where a more direct explanation would suffice. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing styles. When considering related phrases, alternatives like "a hidden motive" or "an underlying cause" may be appropriate depending on the specific context. Overall, "a secret behind" can add intrigue and depth to your writing when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hidden motive for

Focuses on the underlying reason or intention, emphasizing the potential for deception or manipulation.

an underlying cause of

Highlights the fundamental reason or factor that contributes to a particular situation or event.

a concealed reason for

Stresses that the reason is intentionally kept from being known or noticed.

a masked explanation for

Suggests the explanation is present but covered, not immediately available or obvious.

the untold story of

Emphasizes that the narrative is incomplete or suppressed, inviting further exploration.

the mystery surrounding

Focuses on the enigmatic nature and the unknown elements of the situation.

a suppressed truth about

Implies the truth has been deliberately prevented from being revealed or known.

a veiled account of

Highlights the account being presented in a disguised or indirect manner.

the unknown factor in

Draws attention to the unacknowledged or unidentified element influencing the situation.

an unacknowledged aspect of

Stresses the part of the situation which is not openly recognized or admitted.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secret behind" to suggest a hidden reason or motive. For example: "There's "a secret behind" her sudden departure".

What are some alternatives to "a secret behind"?

Alternatives include "a hidden motive", "an underlying cause", or "a concealed reason", depending on the specific context.

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

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more direct or specific phrase would be clearer in formal writing. In less formal contexts, it adds intrigue effectively.

What's the difference between "a secret behind" and "the reason for"?

"A secret behind" implies that the reason is not readily apparent or is intentionally concealed, whereas "the reason for" is more straightforward and direct.