follow behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone is behind or in the wake of something else, such as a person or an event. For example, you could say, "We followed behind the parade as it made its way through town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I would follow behind in the car as they trained.

The New Yorker

The UN force will follow behind, securing liberated areas.

The Economist

"That's the history of the ACT: they see what we do and then they follow behind".

The New York Times

The crew would follow behind in more rafts, forming a bizarre flotilla.

The Guardian - Film

He's a great leader, and the rest of the guys just follow behind".

The New York Times - Sports

He is our megaphone," said Pizzarotti. "He digs up the earth like a plough and we follow behind, sowing seeds to grow fruit for our cities".

The Guardian

As the director casts, shoots and edits, an additional camera crew will follow behind and shoot the ready-made "making of" documentary.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are also insects in her hair; moths and other winged bugs follow behind and around her.

Huffington Post

It is difficult for a conductor when a singer tries to follow behind instead of walking alongside.

Huffington Post

As the machine bores deeper into the earth, workers follow behind, adding in the decor, like the lighting, tracks, and concrete finishes.

Vice

The past it come follow behind like a bad dog and whine but Isis she suck the thumb and giggle that child is a kiss on our face from God in heaven.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow behind", ensure clarity about who or what is being followed and the spatial relationship. For example, specify whether it's a physical trail or a conceptual path.

Common error

Avoid assuming "follow behind" always implies a close distance. It can denote a sequence or order without necessarily meaning immediate proximity. Be specific if closeness is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow behind" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating movement or progression in the wake of something or someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a spatial or temporal sequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow behind" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe movement or progression in the wake of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and sees common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While relatively simple, understanding the nuances of its application—such as specifying what's being followed and avoiding assumptions about implied distance—is key to effective communication. Related phrases like "trail after" or "walk behind" can offer subtle shifts in meaning depending on your intent. This guide provides a full analysis and tips to use the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk behind

A more literal description of physical positioning.

trail after

Implies a more persistent or dedicated pursuit.

move behind

Emphasizes a shift in position to the rear.

come after

Suggests a temporal sequence more directly.

shadow

Implies close proximity and observation, often secretly.

come next

Focuses on the order in a sequence.

tag along

Suggests an informal and often invited following.

chase after

Suggests a pursuit with the aim of catching up.

bring up the rear

Specifically refers to being at the very back of a group.

succeed

Indicates coming after, especially in a role or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow behind" to describe someone or something moving in the wake of another, such as "The students "follow behind" the teacher on the field trip" or "New regulations often "follow behind" technological advancements".

What phrases are similar to "follow behind"?

Alternatives to "follow behind" include "trail after", "come after", or "walk behind" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what is being followed when using "follow behind"?

While not always required, specifying what is being followed usually adds clarity. For instance, instead of saying "They "follow behind"", specifying "They "follow behind" the leader" makes the sentence more precise.

How does "follow behind" differ from "fall behind"?

"Follow behind" means to move in the wake of, whereas "fall behind" implies lagging or failing to keep pace. They have opposite meanings in terms of progress.