go around back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go around back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone going around something to get to the back side of it. For example, you might say, "If you want to get to the back of the house, go around back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Let's go around back".

The New Yorker

They always go around back and let themselves in, like they live there.

Huffington Post

"Other people go shopping for their food; I'll go around back and see what's available," he said.

Huffington Post

Oh yeah, when cotton blooms on the poontang trail, go around back to deliver the mail that's my motto.

Vice

Joey noticed a black Escalade go around back and told the publicist, who proceeded to run to the back parking lot of the inn.

Huffington Post

When I ask where to park my car at a new hospital, they're inevitably like, "Oh, go around back by the dumpsters and the morgue door is right there".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Then they went around back and took some more scraps, then they disappeared".

The New York Times

We pounded again and again, and when our mother failed to answer we went around back and threw snowballs at her bedroom window.

The New Yorker

Then he got out and went around back to where the dog was lying on a pile of dirty straw, chained to a sagging picnic table.

The New Yorker

I went around back and Black Elvis was curled in a fetal position on a trampoline, and I was approaching him to console him and ended up stepping on a hornets' nest, and hornets attacked me".

The New York Times

In Brooklyn she found her old house, at 12 Lawrence Ave. & she went around to the side, went around back where her garden used to be, walked up the front walk, climbed the front steps, tapped her fingernail on the aluminum siding & then went to the sidewalk & put her hands in her pockets & just looked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go around back" when describing a less conventional or more discreet approach. It can imply avoiding the main entrance for privacy or secrecy.

Common error

Avoid using "go around back" when you actually mean to be indirect or evasive in communication. The phrase literally refers to physical movement, not figurative avoidance of a topic. If you are trying to say be indirect use "beat around the bush" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go around back" functions as a phrasal verb indicating movement to the rear of something. This action is often a means to avoid a front entrance or to access an area not easily accessible from the front. Ludwig examples show how it describes a physical action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go around back" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb that instructs someone to move to the rear of a location, often suggesting a less conventional or more discreet route. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples predominantly from news and media sources, indicating its common usage in everyday communication. The phrase functions primarily as a directive, instructing a specific action. While generally informal, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "proceed to the rear" in professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what needs to be circumnavigated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk around to the back

Specifies the mode of transportation (walking) and adds "to the" for clarity.

head to the back

Uses "head" as a synonym for "go", indicating movement in a specific direction.

proceed to the rear

Replaces "go" with "proceed" to convey a more formal or deliberate action of moving to the back.

make your way around back

Adds "make your way" to suggest navigating or maneuvering to reach the back.

go to the rear entrance

Specifies the "rear entrance" as the destination.

access from the back

Focuses on the act of accessing a location from its rear side.

enter via the back

Emphasizes the means of entry as being through the rear.

circumnavigate to the backside

Employing "circumnavigate" is a more elaborate way of saying going around something and referring to the "backside".

use the back route

Indicates using a less common or secondary path to get to the back.

take the back way

Suggests using a less direct or conventional route to the destination.

FAQs

How can I use "go around back" in a sentence?

You can use "go around back" to describe physically moving to the rear of something. For example: "Let's "go around back" to avoid the crowd at the front entrance."

What's a more formal alternative to "go around back"?

A more formal alternative would be "proceed to the rear". This phrase maintains the meaning while sounding more professional, suitable for business or academic settings.

Is "go around back" appropriate in professional writing?

While "go around back" is grammatically correct, it may sound informal for professional writing. Consider using phrases like "proceed to the rear" or "access from the back" for a more polished tone.

What does it mean when someone says "go around back"?

It generally means to physically move to the rear or less visible side of a building or object. It can also imply a less direct or conventional approach.