hid behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"hid behind" is a perfectly acceptable usage in written English.
You can use it to express the concept of someone or something staying out of sight. For example, "My cat hid behind the sofa when the vacuum cleaner was turned on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And she hid behind my rack of clothes so she wouldn't have to see him.

The New York Times - Arts

He hid behind a rack of cages and started squirting whoever passed by.

Science Magazine

"Police returned the fire and I hid behind the bar.

The Guardian

We hid behind a log.

The New York Times

Cillian hid behind the dresser.

The New Yorker

I hid behind my laughter.

The Guardian - Sport

"I hid behind a tree," she said.

The New York Times

Another day, she "hid behind a hat".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Snipers hid behind sandbags on the roof.

The Guardian

It stood its ground as the others hid behind it.

The New York Times - Travel

"I hid behind the sandbags saying my last prayers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hid behind", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hidden from and what is providing the cover. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "hid behind" implies complete safety. The phrase only indicates an attempt to conceal, not necessarily a guarantee of protection or invisibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hid behind" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of seeking concealment or protection. As Ludwig AI states, it describes someone or something staying out of sight. Examples include "I hid behind the door" and "Snipers hid behind sandbags".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hid behind" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of seeking concealment or protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of staying out of sight. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and formal documents to casual conversations, making it a versatile phrase. When using "hid behind", ensure clarity in specifying what is being hidden from and what provides the cover. Consider alternatives such as "took cover behind" or "sheltered behind" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took cover behind

Emphasizes the action of seeking shelter or protection.

took shelter behind

Very similar to 'took cover behind', with a focus on safety.

concealed oneself behind

Formal alternative, highlighting the act of making oneself unseen.

sheltered behind

Suggests finding refuge and protection.

sought refuge behind

Similar to 'sheltered behind', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on needing protection.

remained out of sight behind

Focuses on staying unseen by others.

ducked behind

Implies a quick or sudden movement to avoid being seen.

obscured oneself behind

Focuses on making oneself less visible or noticeable.

lay low behind

Suggests avoiding attention or detection.

used as cover

Highlights the function of the object or structure in providing protection.

FAQs

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

Use "hid behind" to describe someone or something seeking concealment or protection by positioning themselves behind an object. For example, "The child hid behind the curtain" or "The soldiers hid behind the barricade".

What are some alternatives to "hid behind"?

Alternatives include "took cover behind", "concealed oneself behind", or "sheltered behind", each carrying slightly different nuances related to the type of concealment or protection sought.

Is there a difference between "hid behind" and "hidden behind"?

"Hid behind" is an action, indicating someone actively sought cover. "Hidden behind" is a state, describing something already concealed. For instance, "He hid behind the tree" (action) versus "The treasure was hidden behind the painting" (state).

Can "hid behind" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "hid behind" can be used metaphorically to describe someone avoiding responsibility or difficult situations. For example, "He hid behind his busy schedule to avoid dealing with his personal problems", or "The government hid behind legal talk".