backstage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'backstage' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe activities or areas that occur or are located "behind the scenes". For example, "The band was busy getting ready for their performance backstage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Politics

Fashion

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez led the Dolby theatre audience's applause, the media backstage greeted Arquette like a conquering hero and Hillary Clinton, among others, echoed her denunciation.

The Guardian - Film

She got dressed up, went backstage after a gig, and knocked on the dressing room door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They rose blissfully above the backstage tensions and excoriating reviews, producing an acting masterclass that surpassed anything they actually achieved in the film.

The Guardian - Film

And Years & Years love them, it turns out, when the group's tour manager allows the girls backstage before the show.

The Guardian - Music

"They are famously terrible actors so they are all working backstage".

The Guardian

Given the allegations about what he was up to backstage, it is chilling to watch old Top of the Pops clips in which Savile hugs young girls too close.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.26pm GMT17:26 Nigel Farage laughs backstage after he made his keynote speech to the UKIP 2013 spring conference in Exeter on Saturday.

The Guardian

During Richard and Adam's song a woman ran from backstage and pelted the judges with eggs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Strategically, AudioBoo will get big by creating lots of niches, like news, radio and music," said Rock. "We'll never be entirely a music app, but if you think about the social audio around music, like rehearsals or backstage, that's an interesting business model".

The Guardian

Until now he has not been called upon; for each night of the previous 12 weeks he has caught the train into town, only to spend the evening backstage listening to Five Live and learning backgammon.

The Guardian

Shortly before the show, news filtered from backstage that Galliano was in situ, working alongside de la Renta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backstage" to create a sense of exclusivity or to hint at undisclosed aspects of an event or organization. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "backstage" when a more general term like "behind the scenes" would be more appropriate. "Backstage" specifically implies a performance or event setting, and its overuse in other contexts can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "backstage" functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aptly describes areas or activities hidden from public view, particularly those related to theatrical or performance contexts. It can also be used more broadly to refer to private or non-public aspects of a business or organization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Film

9%

Music

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Lifestyle

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig AI, the term "backstage" is a versatile word functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb, commonly employed to describe areas and activities hidden from public view, particularly in the performing arts. As evidenced by numerous examples, it extends beyond theater to encompass the private workings of businesses and other organizations. Usage spans from news and media to lifestyle contexts, reflecting a neutral register that's widely applicable. Ludwig's analysis underscores the word's frequent usage and semantic flexibility in referring to anything happening "behind the scenes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind the scenes

Emphasizes the hidden or private nature of an activity or location, synonymous with the non-public aspect of "backstage".

offstage

Specifically refers to the area not visible to the audience in a theater, directly relating to the physical space implied by "backstage".

in the wings

Suggests a state of readiness or preparation out of public view, similar to waiting "backstage".

behind closed doors

Highlights the privacy and confidentiality of discussions or actions, mirroring the exclusivity of "backstage" interactions.

in private

Focuses on the absence of public observation, akin to the secluded environment "backstage" provides.

secretly

Emphasizes the concealed nature of actions, akin to activities happening "backstage" away from public knowledge.

under wraps

Indicates that something is being kept secret or confidential, much like the hidden aspects of "backstage" operations.

out of the public eye

Stresses the lack of visibility, similar to the private setting that "backstage" represents.

in the inner circle

Refers to a select group with access to privileged information or areas, akin to those allowed "backstage".

unofficially

Describes actions taken without formal acknowledgement or public knowledge, resembling the informal environment "backstage" allows.

FAQs

How is "backstage" used in a sentence?

The word "backstage" can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. As a noun, it refers to the area behind a stage. As an adjective, it describes something related to that area. As an adverb, it indicates movement towards that area.

What phrases are similar to "backstage"?

Similar phrases include "behind the scenes", "offstage", and "in the wings", each conveying a sense of being out of public view or not directly involved in the main action.

When is it appropriate to use "backstage" instead of "behind the scenes"?

"Backstage" is most appropriate when referring specifically to the area behind a stage in a theater or performance venue. "Behind the scenes" is a more general term applicable to any situation where activities are not publicly visible.

What does it mean when someone says they have "backstage access"?

"Backstage access" typically means permission to enter the area behind a stage, allowing one to see the preparations and activities not usually visible to the public. This often implies a special privilege or connection.