backseat

USAGE SUMMARY

'backseat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is in a less active or powerful position. For example: He often takes a backseat in decision-making.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In two years' time, the NGO will take a backseat, and it will be over to the government again to keep PFM alive.

The Guardian

Garner's death brought heavy criticism of broken windows, but it isn't going anywhere, Bratton pledges to me in the backseat of his SUV.

The Guardian

Which sounds like the monetary-policy equivalent of the backseat child grumping, "Are we there yet?" You can see why Weale is getting twitchy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rousseff, who will be sworn in as president on 1 January, is expected to take a backseat role in Seoul to Brazil's current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The Guardian

Immediately, the radio, right side mirror and backseat heating were dropped.

The Economist

But he speaks from a country where justice takes a backseat to ideology.

The Economist

Zune, in other words, is a proprietary bundle of hardware, software and service exactly like Apple's iPod-iTunes combination.In this section Half life The backseat driver gets his way A novel prescription From fantasy worlds to food Mood music We try harder You've heard this song before Freelancers of the world, unite!

The Economist

A fork in the road The empire strikes back Commoditise this The executioner Reprints Related items Proton: A fork in the roadNov 30th 2006 Volkswagen: The backseat driver gets his wayNov 9th 2006The young Mr Piëch, with reading difficulties but mechanical flair, studied at Zurich Technical University, where he worked on a new Formula One engine.

The Economist

In America VWs are even sold at a loss, because of the strength of the euro and the relative inefficiency of VW's German factories.In this section Half life The backseat driver gets his way A novel prescription From fantasy worlds to food Mood music We try harder You've heard this song before Freelancers of the world, unite!

The Economist

In other words, race is a factor of a factor of a factor of a factor.The upshot of this is that race plays a backseat role.

The Economist

The Indian man who had sat next to me on the plane was already in the backseat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backseat" to describe a diminished role or influence. For example, 'After the merger, marketing took a backseat to product development'.

Common error

Don't confuse the metaphorical use of "backseat" with its literal meaning (the rear seat of a car). Ensure the context clearly indicates a shift in priority or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backseat" primarily functions as a noun, often used metaphorically to denote a position of reduced importance or influence. Ludwig AI's examples show it frequently describes a shift in priorities or roles within an organization or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backseat" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a reduced level of importance, priority, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in diverse contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias and media. When writing, be mindful of the metaphorical nature of "backseat" and distinguish it from its literal sense. Related phrases include "less important role" and "subordinate position", offering alternative ways to express diminished significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a less active role

Emphasizes the act of reducing participation.

in a non-leading capacity

Stresses the absence of a leadership position.

less important role

Emphasizes the diminished significance or influence.

subordinate position

Highlights a lower rank or status in a hierarchy.

secondary status

Focuses on the state of being second or less prominent.

auxiliary function

Describes a supporting or helping role.

deferring to others

Focuses on yielding to the opinions or decisions of others.

supporting role

Indicates a position that assists or complements the main actor.

passive involvement

Highlights a lack of active participation.

ceding control

Implies giving up power or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "backseat" in a sentence?

You can use "backseat" to describe something or someone taking a less prominent or active role. For example, "After the new management took over, customer service took a backseat to cost-cutting measures."

What's a good alternative to "taking a backseat"?

You can use alternatives like "less important role", "subordinate position", or "secondary status" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "takes a backseat"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "takes a backseat" is commonly used to indicate that something is given less priority or importance compared to something else.

What does it mean when someone is a "backseat driver"?

A "backseat driver" is someone who offers unwanted advice or criticism, especially in situations where they have no control or responsibility. It's often used metaphorically to describe someone who interferes in other people's affairs.