behind the backstop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the backstop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, particularly baseball, where it refers to the area located behind the backstop structure that protects spectators and players. Example: "The ball rolled behind the backstop, and the catcher had to chase after it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"And stand behind the backstop".

The New Yorker

Soon, a shriek ("Ohmigod!") came out from behind the backstop — two brunettes in matching tube tops.

The New Yorker

"Hey, where are you going?" he yelled, as those behind the backstop laughed.

The New York Times - Sports

After batting practice Thursday, Bay spoke animatedly with Hudgens behind the backstop, pantomiming the opening movements of his swing.

The New York Times - Sports

heave caused a woman sitting behind the backstop to jump in fright as the ball hopped toward her.

The New York Times - Sports

But Manager Bobby Valentine stood behind the backstop like a Little League father and hollered encouragement to Leiter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They have forgotten all about Wimbledon and the world beyond the backstop.

The Guardian - Sport

After that, he took batting practice on the field, a cadre of Mets coaches leaning against the backstop behind him.

The New York Times - Sports

The technology has also been used in some baseball broadcasts to put virtual advertisements on the backstop behind home plate.

The New York Times - Tech

Sabathia had set down the first 10 batters he faced, so he was not about to hit Cabrera, but he got the point across with a pitch that went behind the batter to the backstop, and both benches were warned by the home-plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth.

The New York Times - Sports

Chamberlain threw his second warm-up pitch to the backstop and fell behind his first hitter, Ray Olmedo, two balls and no strikes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the backstop" to precisely indicate a location that is shielded or protected by the backstop, typical in baseball or softball contexts. For example, describe where spectators are standing for safety.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the backstop" when "near the backstop" or "adjacent to the backstop" is more appropriate. Ensure that the location is truly directly behind the structure, not merely in the vicinity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the backstop" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it specifies where people are standing, sitting, or where actions occur in relation to the backstop.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the backstop" is a prepositional phrase that accurately describes a location in the sports context, specifically referring to the area behind the protective barrier in baseball or softball. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. While "behind the backstop" is not a very common phrase, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When writing, ensure you are accurately describing the spatial relationship; use "near the backstop" if the subject is simply in the vicinity, rather than directly behind the structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the back of the backstop

Specifies a position at the extreme rear of the backstop structure.

in the area behind the backstop

Describes a general location, less precise than "behind the backstop".

near the backstop

Indicates proximity rather than direct positioning behind it.

in the stands behind the backstop

Highlights that the location is within the seating area behind the backstop, adding specificity.

past the backstop

Suggests movement or placement beyond the structure.

beyond the backstop

Implies a greater distance or separation from the backstop.

rear of the backstop

Similar to "at the back of the backstop" but uses more formal language.

on the other side of the backstop

Emphasizes the act of being positioned on the opposite face of the backstop.

backside of the backstop

Refers to the less-visible or non-field side of the structure.

adjacent to the backstop

Indicates being next to, rather than directly behind, the backstop.

FAQs

How can I describe a location very close to the backstop?

Consider using the phrase "near the backstop" if the location is close but not directly behind it.

What does it mean when someone is standing "behind the backstop"?

It typically means they are positioned in the area designed to protect spectators from stray balls, directly behind the backstop structure.

Is "behind the backstop" only used in baseball or softball?

While most commonly used in baseball and softball contexts, the phrase could be used in any situation where there is a backstop-like structure, although this is less common.

Which is more accurate, "behind the backstop" or "past the backstop"?

"Behind the backstop" indicates a position, whereas "past the backstop" suggests movement or location beyond it. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context.