in the backyard

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the backyard" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you need to refer to a location that is the yard behind the house. For example: "We decided to have the barbecue in the backyard so the neighbors wouldn't complain of the smoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The kids raced around in the backyard.

The Washington Post

All in the backyard.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the backyard.

The New York Times

"It's like in the backyard.

The New York Times - Sports

Joseph upside down in the backyard.

The New York Times

In other words, in the backyard.

The New York Times - Books

In the backyard, by the stilled.

The New Yorker

They played catch in the backyard.

The New York Times - Sports

You can do barbecue in the backyard.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I'm a beer-in-the-backyard guy," Mr. Mulgrew said.

The New York Times

It was grown-in-the-backyard fresh.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the backyard" to clearly indicate an activity or object's location within the outdoor space behind a house. This phrase provides a specific context for events or items, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in the backyard" when you mean a more general outdoor area like a park or front yard. The term specifically refers to the private outdoor space behind a house, ensuring accuracy in your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the backyard" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify location. As shown in Ludwig examples, it indicates where an action takes place, like "They played catch in the backyard".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

11%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the backyard" functions as a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase, primarily serving as an adverbial modifier to specify location. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with secondary usage in wiki and academic settings. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to use it accurately, referring specifically to the outdoor space behind a house, as Ludwig AI also suggests. Alternatives like "in the garden" or "out back" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out back

An informal way of saying "in the backyard", suitable for casual conversation.

in the yard

A more general term for the outdoor space surrounding a house, encompassing both front and back areas.

in the back garden

Emphasizes the cultivated aspect of the backyard space, similar to 'in the garden'.

in the garden

Refers to a cultivated area, potentially larger or more formal than a backyard.

in the rear garden

A more formal alternative to "in the backyard", focusing on the location at the back of the property.

on the patio

Suggests a paved outdoor area, often attached to the house.

in the outdoor area

A broader phrase that can include patios, decks, and gardens.

on the lawn

Refers specifically to the grassy area of the backyard.

at the rear of the house

A descriptive alternative, highlighting the location relative to the building.

in the enclosure

Suggests an area that is surrounded by a fence or wall.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the backyard" to describe activities, objects, or events located in the outdoor space behind a house. For example, "The children are playing "out back"", or "We had a barbecue "in the garden"".

What are some alternatives to "in the backyard"?

Some alternatives include "in the garden", "on the patio", "in the yard", or "out back". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of outdoor space you're referring to.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in the backyard"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "In" is a preposition, "the" is an article, and "backyard" is a noun. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase indicating location.

What's the difference between "in the backyard" and "in the garden"?

"In the backyard" refers specifically to the outdoor space behind a house, whereas "in the garden" implies a cultivated area, which may or may not be in the backyard. A garden can exist in other locations besides the backyard.