behind the time

USAGE SUMMARY

"behind the times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is not modern or up-to-date. Example: His views on technology are so outdated – he's really behind the times.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Rather like Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, in which a girl looks down from heaven after her death and even manages to intervene in the lives of those left behind, The Time Traveler's Wife sets up a very benign kind of magic.

The Guardian - Books

Such a position makes great grammatical sense but is behind the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Prior to that we were either behind the time or ahead of our time".

The Guardian - Music

You can put that right behind the time he went out there hammered.

The New York Times - Sports

All the nuts had to be unscrewed by hand, putting the company three weeks behind the time limit.

The New Yorker

There was a brief flashback to episode one, season one, which suggests there may have some supernatural reasoning behind the time magic Sookie telekinetically choked the Rattrays.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A behind-the-time gaffer was pleased recently when one of his grandnieces presented him with a pair of goldfish in an old-fashioned glass bowl.

The New Yorker

By E. Bogart and St. Clair McKelway The New Yorker, October 4 , 1958P. 37 A behind-the-time gaffer was pleased recently when one of his grandnieces presented him with a pair of goldfish in an old-fashioned glass bowl.

The New Yorker

It's hide-behind-the-sofa time.

The Guardian - Sport

The reason behind the time-consuming process is because for every predicted feature in the matching stage, the acceptance region and their cross correlation have to be calculated.

Measurement

Greene's response is typically cagey: With a writer of your genius and insight I certainly would not attempt to hide behind the time-old gag that an author can never be identified with his characters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically acceptable, consider using the more common and widely recognized phrase "behind the times" when describing something outdated to ensure clarity and resonance with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the time" when you mean "behind the times." The latter is an idiomatic expression indicating something is outdated, while "behind the time" may be interpreted literally, suggesting tardiness or a delay in a specific instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a state of being delayed or not aligned with the current period. Although Ludwig suggests that the more standard form is "behind the times", this phrase can still convey a sense of lagging or being outdated.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "behind the time" is technically grammatically acceptable, it's significantly less common and idiomatic than its plural counterpart, "behind the times". Ludwig indicates that the latter is the preferred choice for describing something outdated or not current. When writing, it's generally best to use "behind the times" to ensure clarity and avoid potential awkwardness. If you're aiming for precision and widespread understanding, sticking with the more established phrase is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of date

Directly implies that something is no longer current or applicable, similar to 'behind the time' but more widely used.

not keeping pace

Highlights a failure to maintain the same rate of progress or development as others.

outmoded

Signifies something is no longer fashionable or practical, due to being superseded by newer alternatives.

obsolete

Implies that something is no longer produced or used, being completely outdated by new technology or practices.

old-fashioned

Highlights a style or manner that is characteristic of a past era, carrying a connotation of nostalgia or tradition.

yesterday's news

Indicates something that was once topical or exciting but is now no longer of interest.

behind schedule

Focuses specifically on not meeting a predetermined timeline or plan, differing from a general state of being outdated.

lagging

Emphasizes the state of falling behind or progressing slower than others, particularly in terms of development or progress.

archaic

Emphasizes extreme age and obsolescence, suggesting something is antiquated and no longer in general use.

in the past

Indicates something belongs to a former time, contrasting with the present and implying it's no longer relevant.

FAQs

Is "behind the time" grammatically correct?

While technically grammatically sound, the phrase "behind the time" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use the idiomatic expression "behind the times".

What does it mean to be "behind the times"?

To be "behind the times" means to be outdated, not up-to-date with current trends, or old-fashioned in thinking or practice.

When should I use "behind the times" instead of "behind the time"?

You should almost always use "behind the times" when you mean outdated or not current. "Behind the time" might be appropriate if you are referring to being literally late or delayed for a specific event or deadline, though even then, better alternatives exist.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "behind the times"?

Instead of saying someone is "behind the times", you could say they are "out of date", "old-fashioned", or "not up to date".