behind the building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the building" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the area located at the back of a certain building. For example: I couldn't find the entrance to the museum, so I went around and found it behind the building.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Parking lot behind the building.

The New York Times

Ample parking behind the building.

The New York Times

Public parking behind the building.

The New York Times

Behind the building is a pretty wood.

The Guardian

Street parking, and municipal lot available behind the building.

The New York Times

OUTDOOR SPACE: Some green space behind the building.

The New York Times

There is a dumpster in the alley behind the building.

The Guardian - Opinion

A sign points to parking behind the building.

The New York Times

Trains rush by on tracks just behind the building.

The Guardian - Arts

Parking in front of and behind the building.

The New York Times

The boys urinated against the outside walls, the girls headed behind the building.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "behind the building" to give directions, provide additional context like landmarks or cardinal directions to help the person orient themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the building" without specifying which building, especially in areas with multiple structures. Clarity is key to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the building" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, indicating a location relative to a specific structure. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common way to describe something situated at the rear of a building.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind the building" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify a location at the rear of a building. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts for spatial descriptions. While versatile, it's advisable to offer clarifying details when using the phrase for directional purposes. Consider alternatives like "at the rear of the building" or "in back of the building" to vary your language. Remember, clarity is key when using spatial descriptors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the back of the building

A more straightforward way to pinpoint the location at the back.

at the rear of the building

Emphasizes the back location from a more formal perspective.

to the rear of the building

Formally specifies the back side of the building as the location.

in back of the building

Uses a more casual and conversational tone to indicate the rear.

on the backside of the building

Highlights the back surface or side of the structure.

out back of the building

Suggests a more open or less enclosed area behind the structure.

adjacent to the building's rear

Formally indicates the area that touches the building's backside.

in the backyard of the building

Specifies the area as a yard, adding a dimension of landscape.

overlooking the back of the building

Focuses on a vantage point that allows viewing the building's rear.

in the shadow of the building

Describes a location affected by the building's shadow, implying proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "behind the building" in a sentence?

You can use "behind the building" to describe a location relative to a specific structure, such as "The parking lot is "behind the building"" or "We found a quiet garden "behind the building"."

What are some alternatives to saying "behind the building"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "at the rear of the building", "in back of the building", or "to the rear of the building".

Is it correct to say "in the back of the building" instead of "behind the building"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable, but ""behind the building"" is often used to describe a more general area, while "in the back of the building" might refer to something located inside at the rear.

What's the difference between "behind the building" and "next to the building"?

"Behind the building" indicates a location at the back of the structure, whereas "next to the building" refers to a location beside it, either to the left or right.