behind the scenes

USAGE SUMMARY

"behind the scenes" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It often refers to activities that are kept secret, as in the example sentence below: The committee was working behind the scenes to pass the new legislation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Dishing behind the scenes?

The New Yorker

This starts behind the scenes.

The Economist

But that's behind the scenes.

The New York Times

No billionaires behind the scenes.

The New York Times

Behind the Scenes.

Columbia University

Behind the scenes, Del.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

2. Behind-the-Scenes Engagements.

Harvard University

Behind-the-scenes of Doctor Who.

BBC

PHOTOS: Behind-the-scenes with 'Justified'.

Los Angeles Times

PHOTOS: Behind-the-scenes of 'Downton Abbey'.

Los Angeles Times

PHOTOS: Behind-the-scenes Classic Hollywood.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the scenes" to add depth and intrigue to your writing when describing hidden efforts or influences.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the scenes" when referring to something plainly obvious or public. It should denote something genuinely concealed or not generally known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the scenes" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe where or how an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its idiomatic usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

9%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the scenes" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe activities or influences that are not publicly visible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it truly refers to something hidden or not generally known, and remember that its primary function is to add depth and intrigue by revealing less obvious aspects of a story or situation. Related phrases such as "in the background" or "behind closed doors" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind closed doors

Highlights the privacy and exclusivity of the setting where decisions or actions occur.

in the background

Focuses on a less visible or prominent role.

in the shadows

Suggests a hidden or secretive influence, often with a negative connotation.

covertly

Emphasizes the secretive and clandestine nature of the action.

under the table

Implies secrecy and often illegality or impropriety.

off the record

Emphasizes that information is not intended for public dissemination.

in private

Simple and direct way to indicate a non-public setting or discussion.

sub rosa

A more formal and less common way to say something is secret or confidential.

confidentially

Stresses the secrecy and discretion involved.

unofficially

Indicates a lack of formal endorsement or authorization.

FAQs

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

You can use "behind the scenes" to describe activities that happen privately or are not publicly known. For instance, "Negotiations happened "behind the scenes" before the agreement was announced".

What does "behind the scenes" mean?

The phrase "behind the scenes" typically refers to activities or processes that are not visible or known to the general public. It suggests a hidden or private aspect of an event or situation.

What are some alternatives to "behind the scenes"?

Alternatives to "behind the scenes" include "in the background", "behind closed doors", or "in private", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "behind the scene" instead of "behind the scenes"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "behind the scenes", which is plural. The singular form is rarely used and would typically refer to the physical backstage area of a theatre, not the broader sense of hidden actions.