behind the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

"behind the fence" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "The children played tag behind the fence in the backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's hard to keep him behind the fence".

The New Yorker

I thought it had disappeared behind the fence.

The New York Times - Sports

"That all territory behind the fence belongs to Arafat?

The New York Times

And so I waited behind the fence, vigilantly peeking between its boards with a nervous eye.

The New York Times

He never looked to see what was behind the fence, and now he wished he had.

The New Yorker

Back behind the fence, my opponent had a cheering section of family.

The New York Times - Sports

He found one that had sprouted up right along the reservoir, behind the fence.

The New Yorker

"Now, is the shape of the outfield different behind the fence?

The New York Times - Sports

Put two dogs together behind the fence and you don't think they've morphed into one.

The New Yorker

Two men came from behind the fence and climbed in beside him.

The New York Times

A young man behind the fence stared down at the manager's new brown leather shoes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the fence" to clearly indicate a position or location that is shielded, enclosed, or separated by a fence. Ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to a physical fence or a metaphorical barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the fence" in a metaphorical sense when a literal fence is implied. If describing a hidden strategy or secret, consider alternative phrases like "under wraps" or "in the shadows" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the fence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location or position. It specifies where something is in relation to a fence, as shown in Ludwig's examples, such as "waiting behind the fence" or "the crop growing behind the fence."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the fence" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a location relative to a fence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable in written English and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. Its primary function is to provide spatial context, indicating a position that may be shielded, enclosed, or simply located on the other side of a fence. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity when using it metaphorically and consider alternative expressions like "under wraps" or "in the shadows" to ensure clarity. Usage examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate its widespread and versatile application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the other side of the fence

Replaces "behind" with "on the other side of", emphasizing the separation created by the fence.

beyond the barrier

Substitutes "fence" with the more general term "barrier", broadening the type of obstruction.

inside the fenced area

Focuses on the area that is fenced, emphasizing containment.

within the enclosed area

Focuses on the area contained by the fence, rather than the fence itself.

hidden by the fence

Emphasizes the act of concealment provided by the fence.

past the perimeter

Uses "perimeter" to refer to the boundary established by the fence, highlighting the act of moving beyond it.

protected by the barrier

Highlights the protective function of the fence as a barrier.

on the far side of the boundary

Replaces "fence" with "boundary", and "behind" with "on the far side of", providing a more descriptive alternative.

enclosed by the fencing

Shifts the focus to the fencing material itself as the means of enclosure.

out of sight beyond the fence

Adds the element of being unseen beyond the fence.

FAQs

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

You can use "behind the fence" to describe a location, as in, "The dog was barking "behind the fence"". It can also be used to describe something hidden or protected.

What phrases are similar to "behind the fence"?

Similar phrases include "on the other side of the fence", "beyond the barrier", or "within the enclosed area", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "behind the fence" metaphorically?

While primarily used literally, "behind the fence" can be used metaphorically to describe something hidden or inaccessible. However, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "under wraps" or "in secrecy" may be more appropriate in some cases.

What is the difference between "behind the fence" and "on the other side of the fence"?

"Behind the fence" typically implies a position immediately next to the fence, while "on the other side of the fence" suggests a more definitive separation or division created by the fence.