from the rear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'from the rear' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "When entering the store, he saw a line of people stretching from the rear of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wheelchair accessible from the rear.

The New York Times

Another question from the rear!

The New York Times

Plants sprouted from the rear seat.

The Guardian

They were powered by bicycle chains from the rear wheels.

University of California, Berkeley

waves in the vanguard, waves from the rear, closing.

The New Yorker

Black smoke emanated from the rear rose window.

The Washington Post

The real kilowatts come from the rear end.

The New Yorker

Our guide, Shree Ram Adhikari, is leading from the rear.

The Guardian - Travel

From the rear, the red cloth suggested a wrapped coffin.

The New York Times

Wheelchair accessibility -- Yes, from the rear parking lot.

The New York Times

One of the soldiers comes running from the rear, yelling to keep going.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from the rear" to specify the origin of something or someone, especially when the direction is important. For example, 'The attack came from the rear.'

Common error

Avoid using "from the rear" when you mean "in the rear". "From the rear" indicates the point of origin or direction, while "in the rear" specifies a location. For instance, it's correct to say, "The sound came from the rear", but to say, "The seats in the rear of the bus are empty."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the rear" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate direction, source, or position. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from the rear" functions as a prepositional phrase used to specify direction, origin, or a viewpoint from a back location. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, featuring a register that remains largely neutral. The phrase occurs most frequently in news and media, followed by academic writing. When choosing alternative phrases, consider "from behind" for a more general equivalent or "at the back" when indicating a position rather than direction. Common errors include confusing it with phrases like "in the rear", which designates a location rather than a source or direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from behind

Focuses on the action's origin point being at the back, simpler and more direct.

at the back

Indicates a position or location that is situated in the back area.

from the back side

Specifies the origin from the back surface, emphasizes the view.

in the rearward position

More formal and technical, emphasizes the positioning in the back.

originating from the rear

Highlights the starting point of an action or item as being in the back.

coming from the rear

Focuses on movement or emanation from the back.

at the stern

Specifically used in nautical contexts to refer to the back of a vessel.

aft

A concise, nautical term denoting the back part of a ship or aircraft.

from the tail end

Emphasizes the terminal part at the back, suitable for objects with a defined end.

in posterior

A more anatomical or clinical way to describe the back location or region.

FAQs

How can I use "from the rear" in a sentence?

Use "from the rear" to indicate direction, origin, or perspective from a back location. For example, "The light was shining "from the rear" of the stage."

What is a less formal alternative to "from the rear"?

A less formal alternative is "from behind", which is more casual and suitable for everyday conversation.

Is it ever appropriate to use "at the back" instead of "from the rear"?

Yes, use "at the back" when indicating a location. "From the rear" indicates origin or direction. For example, "The exit is at the back of the building." versus "The push came from the rear".

Which is correct, "attack from the rear" or "attack in the rear"?

"Attack from the rear" is generally correct because it specifies the direction of the attack. "Attack in the rear" would imply the attack occurred within a rear area, which is less common. Therefore, use "attack from the rear".