it was trailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was trailing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is following behind or hanging down, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The ribbon was trailing behind her as she walked down the aisle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was trailing its American rival OneWorld by just 21 seconds around the final mark today, down three races to none in a four-of-seven-race series.

The New York Times - Sports

It was trailing pollution of its own.

TechCrunch

I looked at it from the side and what caught my attention was the fact that it was trailing an immense cloud of sand in its wake.

Independent

Yet Montenegro's performance in the second half of Tuesday night's match, when it was trailing 1-0, showed a different team — a far more fluid and attacking one.

The New York Times

A socialist-leaning party, Ata-Meken, which also backed the ouster of Mr. Bakiyev, had been seen as the most likely winner of the election; it was trailing with only 5.8 percent of the eligible vote.

The New York Times

To recap: you nosedived to Earth, on polling day, in an accident literally caused by Ukip branding, in that your plane became tangled in a party banner it was trailing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was trailed by a coalition known as the Egyptian Bloc.

The New York Times

It was trailed as the budget to redefine the relationship between individual and state – and that's certainly one way to describe it.

The Guardian

It was trailed to the national media as a response to the SNP's manifesto, launched on the same day by Nicola Sturgeon.

BBC

Serbia's progress towards the EU has been sluggish - it is trailing far behind its neighbour Croatia, a bitter enemy in the 1990s Balkan wars.

BBC

It is trailing in opinion polls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was trailing", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was trailing" when the referent of "it" is unclear. This can confuse readers and make the sentence difficult to understand. Always ensure the antecedent is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was trailing" functions as a descriptive phrase, often part of a larger clause, to indicate that something is following behind another object or entity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. Examples show its use in describing physical positioning and metaphorical standings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was trailing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something following behind or lagging. Ludwig's examples indicate its common use in News & Media. The phrase functions descriptively, conveying spatial relationships or relative progress. While generally neutral, its formality depends on the context. Remember to ensure clarity in the antecedent of "it" and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it lagged behind" or "it was falling behind" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lagged behind

This alternative emphasizes the idea of being behind in progress or performance.

it followed behind

This option highlights the action of following, particularly in a physical sense.

it was falling behind

This phrase focuses on the action of losing ground or becoming less successful.

it was pursuing

This alternative suggests active chasing or following with intent.

it was shadowing

This implies closely following, often in a discreet or secretive manner.

it was tailing

Similar to shadowing, but more often used in contexts of surveillance or investigation.

it brought up the rear

This phrase indicates being at the very back of a group or procession.

it was in the wake of

This highlights that something is directly after another thing and, by metaphor, usually is a consequence of it.

it proceeded behind

Suggests a more formal or deliberate action of following.

it came after

A simple and direct way of indicating that something followed in sequence.

FAQs

What does "it was trailing" mean?

The phrase "it was trailing" means that something was following behind or lagging behind something else, either physically or metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "it was trailing"?

You can use alternatives like "it lagged behind", "it was falling behind", or "it followed behind" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was trailed" instead of "it was trailing"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "it was trailed" implies someone or something was being followed, often discreetly, whereas "it was trailing" suggests something was physically behind or lagging.

How does "it was trailing" differ from "it was followed by"?

"It was trailing" indicates something was behind and perhaps falling further behind. "It was followed by", on the other hand, simply indicates a sequence or order.