following close behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following close behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is trailing closely behind another person or object, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The runner was gaining speed, with her competitor following close behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Officer David Farrar placed the mother duck in a kennel, with her kids following close behind, then put the whole family carefully into the nearest pond.

Vice

The geese killed were made up of families also with male and female geese that mated for life and a brood of young geese that would follow the mother with the father following close behind as a protector..

Huffington Post

Lady Gaga leads the pack, with teen star Justin Bieber following close behind with 18 million followers.

The Guardian - Music

Following her daily practice sessions at the McCain compound, Palin would break out on a jog, with the Secret Service following close behind.

Huffington Post

Other countries are following close behind.

The Guardian - Music

My wife and I are following close behind.

The New York Times

But in Britain 25% of all women are obese, with men following close behind at 24%.

The Economist

Two carloads of teenagers were following close behind the girls, perhaps urging them on.

The New York Times

Mr. El sees housing developers following close behind the opening of the new campus.

The New York Times

Sports Direct shares have fallen by 4%, with Next following close behind.

The Guardian - Business

Soon Vogue, with Glamour and Mademoiselle following close behind, began to address the working woman.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following close behind" to emphasize the immediacy and proximity of one thing in relation to another, creating a sense of anticipation or consequence. For instance, "Innovation in technology is rapidly advancing, with ethical considerations "following close behind".

Common error

Avoid using "following close behind" when a sense of secrecy or surveillance is intended. Opt for words like "shadowing" or "tracking" to convey a hidden or covert action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following close behind" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It describes the manner in which someone or something is moving or progressing in relation to another entity. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is often employed to emphasize the immediate succession or pursuit of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "following close behind" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating immediate succession or pursuit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the register is generally neutral, the phrase is effective in emphasizing proximity and sequence, creating a sense of anticipation or competition. Alternatives like "trailing closely" or "on the heels of" can be used to adjust the specific nuance. It's important to be mindful of the intended connotation and avoid using the phrase when a sense of secrecy is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trailing closely

Emphasizes the act of trailing, highlighting the physical distance.

pursuing closely

Highlights active pursuit, suggesting intent or goal-oriented action.

right behind

Indicates immediate proximity, often used informally.

on the heels of

Suggests immediacy and potential impact, often used metaphorically.

shadowing

Implies a hidden or investigative purpose, maintaining a discreet distance.

hard on the track

Suggests a strong effort in following, typically with less space between.

coming up fast

Highlights the increasing speed and reduced distance between subjects.

gaining on

Focuses on reducing a lead or gap, indicating competitive movement.

inching closer

Describes slow and gradual progression, closing the gap.

a step behind

Highlights a slight delay or gap, usually in figurative contexts like progress or development.

FAQs

How can I use "following close behind" in a sentence?

You can use "following close behind" to indicate that something or someone is immediately succeeding or pursuing another. For example, "The leading company released a new product, with its competitors "following close behind".".

What's the difference between "trailing closely" and "following close behind"?

While both phrases suggest proximity, "trailing closely" emphasizes the act of being led or drawn along, whereas "following close behind" focuses on the act of pursuing or succeeding.

Which is correct, "following close behind" or "follows close behind"?

"Following close behind" is typically used as part of a larger sentence construction, acting as a modifier, while "follows close behind" is a verb phrase that needs a subject. For example, "He follows close behind" is grammatically correct.

What can I say instead of "following close behind"?

You can use alternatives like "right behind", "on the heels of", or "pursuing closely" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.