in my backyard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in my backyard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is physically located in one's own yard or metaphorically to indicate something that is close to home or personally relevant. Example: "I found a beautiful flower growing in my backyard that I had never seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it's in my backyard.

The New York Times

"Rocky Flats happened in my backyard.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Not in my backyard" does not discriminate.

The New York Times

Don't want no trash in my backyard".

The New York Times

I've had water in my backyard before.

The New Yorker

I make shots in my backyard.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This was just not-in-my-backyard-ism.

The New York Times

Not-in-my-backyard activists are organizing to prevent exploration.

The New York Times

"This isn't environmentalism; it's the not-in-my-backyard syndrome".

The New York Times - Magazine

They create the ultimate not-in-my-backyard problem.

The New York Times

"This is an in-my-backyard issue," Mr. LaValle said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in my backyard" to describe events, situations, or phenomena that directly affect you or your immediate surroundings. This can add a personal touch and emphasize relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "in my backyard" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise term might be more appropriate. Opt for phrases like "in the local area" or "in my community" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in my backyard" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or proximity. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, from literal descriptions of one's property to metaphorical representations of personally relevant issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in my backyard" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote physical proximity or personal relevance. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it's generally acceptable, it should be used judiciously in highly formal writing. Related phrases include "in my locality" and "near my home", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the context is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near my home

A more general way of indicating a location close to one's residence.

around my place

A more casual and informal way to indicate the area around one's home.

in my neighborhood

Emphasizes the community aspect of the location.

in my locality

Focuses on the geographical area rather than the specific property.

close to my residence

A formal way of saying 'near my home'.

in the area where I live

A descriptive alternative, specifying the living area.

in my vicinity

Refers to the surrounding area, implying a less personal connection.

in my proximity

Highlights the physical closeness but sounds more technical.

within my community

Highlights belonging and shared space with other people.

adjacent to my property

Refers to the area directly next to one's land.

FAQs

How can I use "in my backyard" in a sentence?

You can use "in my backyard" to describe something that is happening in your immediate vicinity or something that directly affects you. For example, "We are seeing more wildlife "in my backyard" due to the conservation efforts".

What does it mean when someone says "not in my backyard"?

The expression "not "in my backyard"" (NIMBY) refers to the opposition of residents to the nearby location of something they consider undesirable, even if it benefits society as a whole.

Are there more formal alternatives to "in my backyard"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "in my locality", "in my neighborhood", or "near my home" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Can "in my backyard" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "in my backyard" can be used metaphorically to describe issues or events that are close to home or personally relevant, even if they are not literally occurring in your physical yard. For example, "The debate over education reform is happening "in my backyard" because my children are directly affected".