behind the gate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the gate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is situated at the back of a gate, often implying a sense of enclosure or separation. Example: "The dog was barking loudly behind the gate, eager to greet its owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

She dumped Napravnik behind the gate, then refused to load.

The New York Times - Sports

Another officer was crouching behind the gate at the side of her house.

The New Yorker

When I joined him, I saw two old Mercedeses behind the gate.

The New Yorker

There are too many gatekeepers, but there's nothing behind the gate".

The New York Times

Behind the gate is a dark, damp entrance to a spiral staircase leading 33 metres underground.

The Guardian

Jacqueline Ingrassia established a first in the Yonkers Trot tonight just by getting behind the gate.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

From Steven Spielberg's seaside spread to Bill Gates' costly compound, go behind the gates of these billionaire residences.

Forbes

They're not stuck behind the gates of a mansion.

The Guardian - Music

The Ukrainians pulled up a row of tanks behind the gates to the entrance.

Independent

The police hid behind the gates and began ordering people to disperse.

The New Yorker

Wouldn't she be, in Monty Python parlance, the Trojan Rabbit behind the gates?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the gate" to clearly indicate a location that is physically separated by a gate. This is particularly useful in descriptions of properties, security measures, or controlled access areas.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the gate" when you actually mean "in front of the gate" or "near the gate". Ensure that the context accurately reflects something being on the far side of the gate itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the gate" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase specifies the position relative to a physical barrier, the gate. It adds spatial context to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind the gate" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a location on the far side of a gate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media. The phrase is versatile, appropriate for neutral registers, and effectively communicates spatial relationships. Remember to use it accurately to indicate a position specifically at the back of a gate, avoiding confusion with other similar prepositions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past the gate

Replaces "behind" with "past", focusing on the action of moving beyond the gate.

beyond the gate

Emphasizes being on the other side of the gate, further away from the observer.

at the rear of the gate

More formal and descriptive, specifying the exact location relative to the gate.

on the other side of the gate

Clearly indicates a location opposite the observer, separated by the gate.

inside the gate

Implies being enclosed or contained by the gate.

within the gated area

Refers to a larger area enclosed by one or more gates.

in the enclosure

Focuses on the enclosed space created by the gate and surrounding structure.

at the back of the entrance

Broader term, referring to the area behind any type of entrance, not specifically a gate.

beyond the barrier

Generalizes the concept to any kind of barrier, not just a gate.

in the secured area

Highlights the security aspect of the gated location.

FAQs

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

You can use "behind the gate" to describe a location that is not immediately visible or accessible, such as "The garden was hidden "behind the gate"" or "The guard stood "behind the gate", watching the entrance".

What are some alternatives to "behind the gate"?

Some alternatives include "past the gate", "beyond the gate", or "on the other side of the gate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "behind of the gate"?

No, "behind of the gate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""behind the gate"". The preposition "behind" does not require the addition of "of".

What does it mean when something is "behind the gate" in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, being ""behind the gate"" can suggest being protected, secluded, or inaccessible. It implies a separation from the outside world, offering a sense of security or privacy.