am behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is late or delayed in completing a task or meeting a deadline. Example: "I apologize for the delay; I am behind on my project due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

With all modesty, I am behind it.

The New Yorker

I am behind the packages.

The New York Times - Magazine

So here I am, behind frenemy lines, taking photographs of shelving.

MIT Technology Review

They say that I broke the bar at Wembley and am behind the bar at Ibrox.

The Guardian - Sport

"Despite having left no possibility for doubt, the story that I am behind Ferrante's identity continues to circulate.

The Guardian - Books

"As long as I am behind the plate, I have to do the best I can," Piazza said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Who is behind this?

The New York Times

It's behind you.

The Guardian - Film

He was behind that.

Independent

Nobody was behind him.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm behind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "am behind" to indicate support, ensure clarity. For example, "I "am behind" the project" clearly communicates endorsement.

Common error

Avoid using "am beside" when you mean "am behind". "Beside" indicates proximity, while "behind" signifies support or being late.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am behind" functions as a declarative statement, primarily indicating either a state of being delayed or expressing support. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "am behind" is a versatile expression used to convey either a state of being delayed or to express support. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "am behind", ensure you choose the correct word to avoid confusion. While "am behind" is a straightforward and widely accepted phrase, consider using alternatives like "I'm lagging" or "I support" depending on the context to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm falling behind

Highlights a gradual decline in progress or position relative to others.

I'm lagging

This alternative focuses on the idea of falling behind in progress or performance.

I'm running late

Implies tardiness or being delayed, particularly in relation to a schedule or appointment.

I'm late

Short form of "I'm running late", implies tardiness or being delayed, particularly in relation to a schedule or appointment.

I'm not on schedule

Specifically indicates a deviation from a planned timeline or itinerary.

I support

Highlights endorsement or approval, shifting the meaning from physical position to abstract support.

I back

Conveys informal support or endorsement, similar to "I support" but less formal.

I'm responsible for

Emphasizes accountability or obligation, focusing on being the cause or origin of something.

I endorse

Signifies formal approval or support, often in a public or official capacity.

I'm the reason for

Signifies direct causation or responsibility for a specific event or outcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "am behind" can be used in different contexts. For instance, you can say "I "am behind" schedule" to indicate that you are late, or "I "am behind" the team" to express your support.

What are some alternatives to saying "am behind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I'm lagging", "I support", or "I'm responsible for".

Is it grammatically correct to say "am behind"?

Yes, "am behind" is grammatically correct. The grammar is correct when used to express support or a state of being delayed. For example, you can say "I "am behind" you" to express your support.

What is the difference between "am behind" and "was behind"?

"Am behind" refers to the present tense, indicating a current state of being delayed or supportive. "Was behind" refers to the past tense, indicating that you were previously delayed or supportive.