known behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "known behind" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used, as it lacks context and does not form a coherent expression. Example: "The reasons for the decision are known behind closed doors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Himself, as Rummy is known behind his back at the Pentagon, is not being a total tyrant.

The New York Times

The family who owned the main local camera shop and film-developing franchise — known behind their backs as los Kodak — were hit hard, I was told.

The New Yorker

Think of the families leaving everything they've known behind, risking barren deserts and stormy waters just to find shelter; just to save their children.

The New York Times

Holmes, a mostly deaf, 59-year-old mediocrity known behind his back as Granny Holmes, may have assented to the raid to rid himself of an impetuous colonel who he assumed would be captured, as Morgan was.

The New York Times

On his estate at Giverny, the village 50 miles from Paris where he had settled in 1883, Monet employed six local men to tend his garden and was known behind his back as "le marquis".

The Guardian - Arts

Forbes's annual rich list ranked Queen Bee, as she is affectionately known, behind the Sultan of Brunei, four Arab potentates and just after President Saddam Hussein of Iraq among the world's wealthiest queens, kings and dictators.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

With that in mind I thought it would be interesting to skate-nerd out with the director and get some little known behind-the-scenes dirt on the 15-year project that makes up his life's work.

Vice

They have the heart to leave everything they know behind, to make themselves anew somewhere else.

The New Yorker

I know behind you the wall continues.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know, behind that hibiscus, I don't give a fuck.

The New Yorker

"When you go to a new world, you leave something you know behind you.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and formality, consider alternatives such as "secretly known" or "privately referred to" instead of "known behind".

Common error

Avoid using "known behind" in formal or academic writing, as it may sound awkward or unclear. Opt for more precise phrasing to ensure your meaning is accurately conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known behind" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, aiming to convey that something is known, but in a concealed or unofficial manner. Ludwig examples show varied contexts, but according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "known behind" attempts to express information that is understood discreetly or unofficially. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered grammatically correct, therefore it's more suitable for informal settings or when a sense of hidden knowledge is intended. However, clarity should always be prioritized, and more precise alternatives like "secretly known" or "privately referred to" are often preferable. While "known behind" appears in diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its informal register suggests caution in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secretly known

Emphasizes the aspect of secrecy or confidentiality regarding the knowledge.

privately referred to

Focuses on the act of referring to someone or something in a private or unofficial manner.

understood implicitly

Highlights the idea of knowledge being shared or grasped without explicit communication.

an open secret

Suggests something that is technically not public knowledge but widely suspected or acknowledged.

known unofficially

Indicates that the knowledge is not formally recognized or acknowledged.

quietly acknowledged

Emphasizes the subtle and understated nature of the acknowledgment or recognition.

between the lines

Implies understanding something that is not explicitly stated.

behind closed doors

This phrase focuses on secrecy and confidentiality, but it refers to something known within a restricted or private environment.

in the know

Implies being part of a group that possesses exclusive knowledge.

under wraps

Indicates something that is deliberately kept secret or confidential.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "known behind" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "secretly known", "privately referred to", or "understood implicitly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "known behind"?

The phrase "known behind" is generally more suitable for informal contexts or when trying to convey a sense of hidden or unofficial knowledge. However, clarity is always key, so consider whether a more precise alternative might be better.

Is "known behind" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "known behind" can sound awkward or unconventional. Ludwig AI flags it as potentially incorrect, suggesting a more precise phrase might be preferable for clarity. Consider options like "secretly known" or "privately referred to" instead.

What's the difference between "known behind the scenes" and "known behind"?

"Known behind the scenes" implies knowledge existing among a select group involved in a process or activity, while "known behind" suggests a more general, less specific awareness. For the former, behind the scenes is clearly related to activity that is not visible to an audience (ex: movies, plays...). And Ludwig AI tells us "known behind" is not correct.