behind which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a location or situation that is situated at the back of something previously mentioned. Example: "The building behind which the event took place was newly constructed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you were asked to leave one behind, which one would you leave behind?

The New York Times

They're falling behind, which is why she greets a change with enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

Plus, there are the flower vases that people leave behind, which create ideal mosquito-breeding conditions.

The New Yorker

Lloyd is falling behind, which is no surprise, but he's also favoring his front right paw.

The Washington Post

"As a side we crumbled mentally after going behind, which I can understand.

The Guardian - Sport

We lost our belief when we went behind, which is strange for us.

BBC

"[President Barack Obama's] leading from behind, which I call following".

Huffington Post

The walls were square marble slabs, behind which were crypts.

The New Yorker

Oxen were the best beast behind which to ride.

The New York Times - Travel

These poems became the screen behind which my past receded.

The New Yorker

Behind which one do the JetBlue gates lie?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind which" to clearly indicate a spatial relationship or a sequence of events where something is obscured or follows something else. Ensure the context makes the connection clear for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "behind which" when a simple "after" or "because of" would suffice. Overusing it in non-spatial or non-sequential contexts can make your writing sound overly formal or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies the location or context that something is situated at the back of. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and used across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind which" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to denote spatial or contextual relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the phrase appears across numerous sources, including news, science, and business contexts. While effective in establishing spatial orientation or adding descriptive detail, it's important to use "behind which" judiciously, considering simpler alternatives when clarity and conciseness are paramount. Key considerations involve avoiding overuse in non-spatial contexts and ensuring the sentence structure clearly connects the elements it relates. Related phrases like "at the back of which" and "beyond which" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the back of which

Emphasizes the physical position at the rear of something, maintaining a direct spatial relationship.

in the rear of which

Similar to "at the back of which", offering a slightly more formal tone while indicating spatial positioning.

beyond which

Indicates a position further away or a boundary that extends past a certain point.

after which

Focuses on a sequence in time rather than space, indicating what follows something else.

following which

A more formal alternative to "after which", emphasizing the sequential order of events.

in whose wake

Implies something that happens as a consequence or result of something else preceding it.

concealed by which

Highlights the act of hiding or obscuring, with something being hidden behind the described entity.

protected by which

Indicates a sense of safety or shelter provided by the entity that follows "behind".

on the other side of

Expresses a separation or division created by the entity "behind", placing emphasis on what lies beyond.

hidden from view by

Stresses the idea of being out of sight due to the presence of something "behind" which something is located.

FAQs

How can I use "behind which" in a sentence?

"Behind which" is used to describe something located at the back of something else, like "The garden "behind which" the house stood was overgrown".

What are some alternatives to "behind which"?

Alternatives include "at the back of which", "in the rear of which", or "beyond which", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "behind which", or can I use simpler alternatives?

While "behind which" is grammatically correct, simpler options like "behind" or "after" might be clearer and more concise in many situations. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

What's the difference between "behind which" and "after which"?

"Behind which" primarily indicates a spatial relationship, while "after which" indicates a temporal sequence. For example, "The curtain "behind which" the actor stood" (spatial) versus "The performance, "after which", the audience applauded" (temporal).