just behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"just behind" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located slightly to the rear or back of something else. Example: The shop was just behind the post office, so it was easy to find.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Tottenham is just behind," he said.

Independent

In other words, the England pair are just behind but only just behind.

Independent

Least likely to: Be just behind Curve.

The Guardian - Music

Just behind.

The New Yorker

Louisiana State's just behind.

The New York Times

Netherlands still lurks just behind.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Few trails just behind.

The Washington Post

just behind them.

The New York Times

Votto is just behind Gonzalez at 3.5.

The New York Times

She took fifth place, just behind Batman.

Independent

Neymar was lurking just behind.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just behind" to clearly indicate a position or rank that is closely following another, especially when the difference is slight or insignificant.

Common error

Avoid using "just behind" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate, such as "subsequent to" or "immediately following".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just behind" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate relative position or order. It signifies that something is located or ranked immediately after another element. Ludwig confirms this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just behind" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote close proximity in either physical location or ranking, as demonstrated by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples. While grammatically correct and common across many contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles, it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "subsequent to" in academic or highly formal writing. The phrase effectively communicates nearness, and Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and acceptability in various registers. Always be mindful of the context to ensure that "just behind" conveys the intended meaning accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close behind

Highlights the closeness in proximity, similar to "just behind" but without the 'just'.

not far behind

Emphasizes the short distance separating the two subjects, indicating nearness.

slightly trailing

Emphasizes the trailing aspect more directly, focusing on the action of following.

a step behind

Implies a slightly inferior position or a minor delay in progress, potentially metaphorical.

a little further back

Uses directional language to describe being behind, focusing on physical space.

in second place

Specifically indicates being in the position immediately after the leader, mostly used in competitive contexts.

in close pursuit

Adds a sense of active following or chasing, implying a dynamic situation.

immediately following

Focuses on the sequence of events or positions, suggesting a direct order.

right on the heels of

Idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme closeness, implying potential pressure or competition.

tailing closely

Suggests a deliberate act of following, often with a connotation of surveillance or monitoring.

FAQs

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

You can use "just behind" to indicate that something or someone is located or ranked immediately after something else. For example, "The post office is "just behind" the bank" or "He finished the race "just behind" the leader".

What's a more formal alternative to "just behind"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "immediately following", "subsequent to", or "directly after" instead of "just behind".

Is there a difference between "just behind" and "close behind"?

"Close behind" and "just behind" are very similar, but "just behind" often emphasizes a slight or almost negligible difference in position or time. "Close behind" simply indicates proximity.

When should I use "just behind" literally versus figuratively?

Use "just behind" literally to describe physical positions, like in a queue. Use it figuratively to describe rankings, progress, or metaphorical distances, such as "Their sales are "just behind" their competitors'".