are not far behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not far behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is close in position, progress, or achievement compared to another person or thing. Example: "In the race, the second-place runner is not far behind the leader, making it an exciting competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's often a sign that permanent hires are not far behind, he said.

The New York Times

"I think that some of the bigger mines are not far behind," Mr. Hlaca said.

The New York Times

Politicians are not far behind.

The Economist

But others are not far behind.

The Economist

Several food companies are not far behind.

The New York Times

Ethiopia and Eritrea are not far behind.

The Economist

Established firms are not far behind.

The Economist

Foreclosures are not far behind.

The New York Times

Others are not far behind, including Brazil and Thailand.

The New York Times

The Tories are not far behind.

The Guardian

The others are not far behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not far behind" to indicate that something or someone is close to another in terms of progress, development, or location. It's effective for comparisons where the distance is relatively small or the progress is nearly matched.

Common error

Avoid using "are not far behind" when the gap between the subjects is substantial. This phrase suggests closeness, so it's misleading if the reality is a large disparity. Instead, use phrases like "lagging behind" or "considerably behind" to accurately reflect the true difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not far behind" primarily functions as a comparative descriptor. It indicates that a subject is in close proximity, either physically or figuratively, to another subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, affirming its role in making comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not far behind" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something or someone is close to another in terms of progress, position, or achievement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news and media to describe competitive situations or relative standings. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for situations where the subjects are indeed closely aligned, avoiding exaggeration of proximity. Alternative phrases like "are close behind" or "are trailing closely" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Ludwig's examples demonstrate consistent use across various contexts, solidifying its status as a reliable and effective comparative phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are close behind

Replaces "not far" with "close", emphasizing the short distance or time separating the subjects.

are trailing closely

Uses "trailing" to suggest a following position, with "closely" reinforcing the nearness.

are hot on the heels of

An idiomatic expression indicating very close pursuit or competition.

are in close pursuit

Highlights the action of chasing or following closely behind.

are snapping at the heels of

Suggests a more aggressive and competitive form of pursuit.

are breathing down the neck of

Emphasizes the pressure and closeness of the pursuit.

are just a step behind

Uses a spatial metaphor to indicate minimal distance.

are within striking distance

Indicates readiness to overtake or surpass.

are keeping pace with

Focuses on maintaining the same speed or progress.

are vying for the same position

Highlights the competition for the same rank or status.

FAQs

How can I use "are not far behind" in a sentence?

You can use "are not far behind" to show that someone or something is close to another in terms of progress, position, or achievement. For example, "In the polls, the challenger "are not far behind" the incumbent."

What can I say instead of "are not far behind"?

You can use alternatives like "are close behind", "are trailing closely", or "are hot on the heels of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are not far behind" or "is not far behind"?

"Are not far behind" is used with plural subjects, while "is not far behind" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They "are not far behind"" (plural) versus "He is "is not far behind"" (singular).

What's the difference between "are not far behind" and "are lagging behind"?

"Are not far behind" indicates a close following, while "are lagging behind" suggests a greater distance or slower progress. The former implies potential to catch up quickly, the latter implies a more significant deficit.