go behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"go behind" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means to follow someone or something, or to go to the back or rear of something. Example: "I saw the cat go behind the house." This means that I saw the cat move to the back part of the house, where I couldn't see it anymore. Another example: "The detective decided to go behind the suspect's story." This means that the detective wanted to investigate or uncover the truth behind the suspect's story. You can also use "go behind" in a figurative sense, such as in the sentence "The success of their business went behind their hard work and dedication." This means that the success was a result of their hard work and dedication. In general, "go behind" can be used whenever you want to indicate movement towards the back or rear of something, or to imply investigation or understanding of something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"You pick yourselves up when you go behind and go again.

BBC

Everybody likes to go behind the scenes.

The New York Times - Sports

Now go behind the curtain and strip!

Independent

They want to go behind a tree.

The New York Times

They go behind the back.

The New York Times - Sports

Can't Go Behind the Drywall?

The New York Times

Let's go behind the scenes.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Did you go behind the buildings?

The New York Times

Motorola's headphones also go behind your head.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Where better for any foodie to go behind-the-scenes.

Independent

Go behind-the-scenes with the masterminds behind Mad Max.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go behind" to describe a physical action, ensure the context clarifies the object or person being moved behind. For example, "Go behind the curtain" provides a clear instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "go behind" when a more direct verb would be clearer. Instead of saying "The report went behind schedule", consider saying "The report fell behind schedule" or "The report was delayed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go behind" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action of moving to the rear of something or someone, or it can be used figuratively to describe investigating or acting secretly. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go behind" is a versatile verb phrase with both literal and figurative meanings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. It can refer to physical movement or to actions taken secretly or to investigate a topic. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its specific interpretation. When writing, remember to clarify the object of the movement or investigation and to consider more precise alternatives for abstract concepts. Avoid using "go behind" when another phrase such as "fall behind" would be more specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move behind

Focuses on the physical act of moving to the back of something.

walk behind

Similar to move behind, but specifies the mode of movement.

step behind

Implies a quick or subtle movement to the rear.

sneak behind

Suggests a clandestine movement to the rear, often with a negative connotation.

investigate

Focuses on exploring or examining something thoroughly.

delve into

Implies a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

undermine

Suggests acting secretly to weaken someone's position.

circumvent

Implies avoiding rules or procedures through indirect means.

act covertly

Focuses on performing actions in a secret or disguised manner.

bypass

Implies going around or avoiding something entirely.

FAQs

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

You can use "go behind" to describe a physical movement, such as "The child went behind the tree to hide". It can also be used figuratively, for example, "The journalist wanted to go behind the official story to find the truth".

What does it mean to "go behind" someone's back?

To "go behind" someone's back means to do something secretly or without their knowledge, often in a way that is disloyal or harmful. For example, "He tried to "go behind my back" to get the promotion".

What's the difference between "go behind" and "fall behind"?

"Go behind" usually implies a physical movement or secret action. In contrast, "fall behind" typically refers to lagging or not keeping pace, such as "The project "fell behind schedule"".

What are some alternatives to using "go behind" when referring to investigating something?

If you want to say "go behind" to mean investigate, consider alternatives such as "delve into", "examine", or "investigate". For example, "The detective decided to delve into the suspect's past".