back of the neck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back of the neck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the rear part of the neck, often in contexts related to anatomy, health, or physical sensations. Example: "She felt a chill run down the back of her neck as she entered the dark room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Got him right on the back of the neck.

Independent

No bullet in the back of the neck for them.

The Guardian

He had been shot in the back of the neck.

The New York Times

One bullet struck Josue in the back of the neck.

The New York Times

Hair standing up on the back of the neck time.

The Guardian - Sport

There he caught him on the back of the neck with his club!

The Washington Post

If you dare move, you'll be hit around the back of the neck.

The Telegraph

During his questioning, he was repeatedly punched on the back of the neck.

The New Yorker

It was like a baseball bat to the back of the neck — jarring, violent, disorienting.

The New York Times

Hannah's sister gets involved, striking Njeri's brother on the back of the neck with a plank.

The New Yorker

She said the boy had been hit in the back of the neck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific anatomical location, use "back of the neck" for clarity. In more formal or medical contexts, "nape of the neck" or "posterior neck" may be suitable.

Common error

Do not confuse "back of the neck" with more general terms like "upper back". Ensure your wording clearly indicates the specific area you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the neck" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific anatomical location. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing where something is located, or where an action occurs. For example, "He had been shot in the back of the neck."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back of the neck" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the posterior part of the neck. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing, with a neutral register. While alternatives like "nape of the neck" exist, "back of the neck" remains a widely understood and frequently used descriptor. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability in everyday and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nape of the neck

Replaces "back" with "nape", offering a more specific and slightly more formal anatomical term.

rear of the neck

Substitutes "back" with "rear", maintaining the same meaning with a slight variation in wording.

behind the neck

Replaces "back of" with "behind", indicating the same area.

posterior neck

Replaces "back" with "posterior", providing a more anatomical term.

neck's posterior

Uses a more formal structure to indicate the back part of the neck.

scruff of the neck

Refers to the skin at the back of the neck, particularly in animals.

cervical region

Uses a formal, medical term to refer to the neck area.

base of the head

Describes the area where the neck connects to the head.

dorsal neck area

Employs a more scientific term for the back of the neck.

upper back

Broadens the area of reference to include the upper portion of the back.

FAQs

How can I describe the "back of the neck" in a medical context?

In medical contexts, you can use more formal terms such as "nape of the neck", "posterior neck", or "cervical region" depending on the specific area and level of detail required.

What is another way to say "back of the neck"?

You can use phrases like "nape of the neck", "rear of the neck", or "behind the neck" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "nape of the neck" instead of "back of the neck"?

Yes, "nape of the neck" is a correct and often more specific term for the "back of the neck", although the latter is more commonly used in general contexts.

What is the difference between "back of the neck" and "upper back"?

The "back of the neck" refers specifically to the posterior part of the neck, while "upper back" refers to the region of the back located just below the neck and between the shoulder blades. They are distinct anatomical regions.