few feet back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few feet back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance that is slightly behind a certain point or object. Example: "The car was parked a few feet back from the curb to allow for easier access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Second, step a few feet back to avoid looking threatening.

The New York Times

He turned into a garage a few feet back of his residence and within the curtilage.

Cornell University

A few feet back, Henson and Walton Hamilton watched on a monitor.

The New Yorker

Based on the commands Mr. Heverly entered, Opportunity understood that it needed to return to a spot a few feet back.

The New York Times - Science

A house is unfortunately situated just a few feet back from the scarp — in a few more years it is likely to be falling down the cliff.

The New York Times

Recently, I think we've slid a few feet back down the well in America, and I hope we're going to arrest the tide of that slippage in Europe.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But considering the current high player prices, limited content and uncertainty over which format to purchase, it may be more tempting to buy a good upconverting DVD player and sit a few feet farther back from the TV.

The New York Times - Tech

The trail isn't a complete circuit; you'll have to double back, or exit at the lightly trafficked Montlake Drive and take the sidewalk a few hundred feet back to your car.

The New York Times - Travel

That one moment, captured on a shaky videotape made from a few dozen feet back, appeared so bluntly brutal that the television station WNBC paid the amateur videographer $400.

The New York Times

But what they don't normally give us on the tourist brochures is the view from a few hundred feet back, or up, or from the Pizza Hut nearby.

Huffington Post

And here he is, at a stoplight on Wade Green Road, trying to cross the street but not making it, walking out a few feet and then back, out and back, head bowed, smiling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few feet back" to provide spatial context, indicating a small distance behind a specific point. For example, "Stand a few feet back from the curb" gives a clear direction.

Common error

Avoid using "few feet back" when the distance is significantly more than a few feet. This can create confusion and misrepresent the actual spatial relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few feet back" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or describing a location. It specifies a short distance behind a particular point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few feet back" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to describe a short distance behind a particular point. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide spatial context and is commonly found in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately to avoid confusion, particularly when a different directional relationship, such as "few feet away", is more appropriate. Understanding its subtle nuances helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short distance behind

Emphasizes the brevity of the distance separating something.

a couple of feet behind

Specifies the distance more precisely as approximately two feet.

slightly to the rear

Uses more formal language to indicate a position somewhat behind.

a little further back

Focuses on increasing the distance from a current position.

a step or two back

Relates the distance to the act of stepping backward.

a small space behind

Highlights the smallness of the gap in position.

just behind

Indicates being closely positioned behind.

in close proximity behind

Emphasizes the nearness while being behind.

positioned slightly behind

Formally describes the relative placement of objects.

moved back slightly

Highlights the action of moving a short distance back.

FAQs

How can I use "few feet back" in a sentence?

You can use "few feet back" to describe a short distance behind something. For example, "The house is set a few feet back from the road" indicates its location relative to the road.

What is a synonym for "few feet back"?

Alternatives to "few feet back" include "a short distance behind" or "a couple of feet behind", depending on the level of specificity required.

Is it correct to say "a few foot back" instead of "few feet back"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "few feet back", as "feet" is the plural form of "foot" needed to agree with "few".

How does the meaning of "few feet back" differ from "few feet away"?

"Few feet back" implies a position behind a reference point, while "few feet away" simply indicates a short distance, without specifying direction.