far behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far behind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the degree of difference between two things, such as the amount of work that has been completed. For example, "John is far behind his colleagues in terms of the number of tasks he has completed this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can Gagosian be far behind?

The New Yorker

Can "toots" be far behind?

The New Yorker

Are the Olympics far behind?

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Paul goes far behind, very iso.

The New York Times

Can action figures be far behind?

The New York Times - Books

Can "222 Tweets" be far behind?

The New York Times - Books

Could Beethoven have been far behind?

The New York Times - Arts

Can a watch be far behind?

The Guardian - Tech

Paul goes far behind, very iso.

The New York Times

Can the Hemi 'Cuda be far behind?

The New York Times

Can others be far behind?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far behind" to clearly indicate a significant difference in progress, position, or achievement. Ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what the subject is behind relative to.

Common error

Avoid using "far behind" when the difference is minimal or insignificant. "Slightly behind" or "a little behind" are more appropriate when the gap is small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far behind" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its role in indicating a significant degree of lagging or trailing, as seen in examples where it describes being behind schedule or in technological advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far behind" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that signifies a substantial difference or deficit. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to emphasize a significant lag in progress, position, or quality. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also has relevance in scientific and formal business settings. When using "far behind", ensure clarity by referencing the subject it refers to and avoid using it when the difference is minimal. Alternatives such as "considerably trailing" or "substantially lagging" may provide more specific nuances, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well behind

A more straightforward alternative, simply emphasizing that the subject is considerably lagging.

significantly trailing

Like 'considerably trailing', focuses on the extent of the difference or distance between positions.

substantially lagging

Highlights a notable deficiency or delay, focusing on the shortfall in progress or achievement.

markedly behind

Emphasizes that the difference can be clearly seen or noticed.

considerably trailing

Emphasizes the significant gap or distance in progress; indicates a greater degree of being behind.

distinctly lagging

Highlights that the subject is noticeably failing to keep pace.

a long way back

Indicates the subject is not just behind, but at a considerable spatial or metaphorical distance.

considerably slower

Emphasizes that the progress or movement is much slower.

considerably back

Similar to 'a long way back', but with a slightly less emphatic sense of distance.

noticeably slower

Focuses more on the aspect of speed or progress, implying the subject is moving at a reduced rate.

FAQs

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

You can use "far behind" to describe someone or something that is significantly lagging in progress, position, or time. For example, "Our team is "far behind" schedule on this project", or "In terms of technological advancement, that country is "far behind" its neighbors".

What are some alternatives to saying "far behind"?

Alternatives to "far behind" include "considerably trailing", "substantially lagging", or "significantly trailing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to be "far behind"?

While "far behind" often implies a negative situation, such as lagging in progress, it can sometimes be neutral depending on the context. For example, in a race, a runner might strategically be "far behind" at the start to conserve energy for a final sprint.

What's the difference between "far behind" and "slightly behind"?

"Far behind" indicates a substantial gap or difference, while "slightly behind" suggests only a small difference. If you are "slightly behind", you are not that "far behind"!