behind which was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind which was" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is located behind something else. For example: "There was a tall tree, behind which was a playground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Both parties agreed that No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law in 2002, is in dire need of revision.

The New York Times

No Child Left Behind, which was passed by Congress in 2001, requires schools to turn over students' home phone numbers and addresses unless parents opt out.

The New York Times

No Child Left Behind, which was passed in 2001, mandated that states use test scores to determine whether schools were succeeding or failing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The victory celebration was short lived as Rollins attacked his nemeses from behind, which was followed by a Neutraliser by Cesaro then a Curb Stomp by the Money in the Bank holder.

Independent

Officials believe the first helicopter startled birds in the marshes, causing them to fly up and hit the aircraft behind, which was flying just 110ft off the ground at 126mph.

Independent

Match report: France 2-1 Romania They did OK to stifle Germany for long spells but were forced to come out of their shell after falling behind, which was just as well for the neutral.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Like rucksack wearers, Friedrich's figures are often seen from behind, which is why they are known as ruckenfigur.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Washington Post

His mother must constantly apply an ointment to his behind, which is scarred from months in bed.

The New York Times

In the Hamburg game we stuck to things, even when we went behind, which is a big reason why we've got this far.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind which was" to provide a vivid description of spatial relationships, especially when detailing a scene or setting in writing. For instance, "The old house stood on a hill, behind which was a dense forest" creates a clear image.

Common error

Avoid using "behind which was" in simple sentences where a more direct phrasing would suffice. Instead of "The tree, behind which was a cat, was tall", opt for "The cat was behind the tall tree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind which was" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies a location or position relative to another object or point of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe something located behind something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behind which was" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that helps add descriptive spatial context to sentences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as in wiki and scientific articles, the phrase functions to clarify the location of something relative to another object, often lending a more formal tone to the writing. It is advisable to avoid using "behind which was" when a more direct phrasing is possible; however, as you can see from the examples, doing so can allow you to add context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the rear of which was

A more formal and precise way to describe something located behind.

at the back of which was

Specifies a location directly at the rear.

beyond which was

Implies something further away or more distant.

following which was

Indicates sequence rather than spatial location.

on the other side of which was

Emphasizes a separation or barrier.

after which was

Similar to "following which", but emphasizes temporal succession.

situated behind which was

More descriptive emphasizing the placement of the item.

subsequent to which was

More formal and emphasizes a clear sequence of events.

further back than which was

Indicates a greater distance to the rear.

in the wake of which was

Suggests a consequence or result.

FAQs

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

Use "behind which was" to describe a location, where something is positioned at the rear of another object or structure. For instance, "The altar stood in the church, behind which was a large stained-glass window".

What are some alternatives to using "behind which was"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at the back of which was", "beyond which was", or "at the rear of which was", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "behind which is" grammatically different from "behind which was"?

"Behind which is" indicates a present state, while "behind which was" refers to a past state. Choose the appropriate tense to match the time frame of your sentence. The phrase depends on the time and event order you are describing.

When is it appropriate to use "behind which was" instead of a simpler phrase like "behind"?

Use "behind which was" in more formal or descriptive writing where you want to add detail and elegance to the sentence structure. In simpler contexts, "behind" may be sufficient. However, keep in mind that you may want to add something of interest or context, for the reader, "behind" the objects, structures or characters in your sentence.