lag behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lag behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You use this phrase when you want to describe that someone or something is not keeping up with the pace of another person, object, etc. For example: The world of technology is constantly changing, and those who don't update their skillsets run the risk of lagging behind.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We do not want to lag behind," he says.

Science Magazine

Who likes to lag behind?

Huffington Post

When, generation after generation, they lag behind, our economy suffers.

Huffington Post

In the European perspective, can they afford to lag behind?

BMC Health Services Research

But expectations lag behind reality.

Independent

They lag behind competition.

The Guardian

But perceptions lag behind reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But pockets such as Saxony lag behind.

The Economist

But times lag behind international standards.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the ideas, somehow, that lag behind.

The New York Times - Books

Oil supplies, meanwhile, continue to lag behind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lag behind", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being compared and why the lagging entity is not keeping pace. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that merely identifying something as "lagging behind" automatically explains the reasons. Always provide context or explanation as to why something is not keeping pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lag behind" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a state of not keeping pace or progressing slower than others. It is commonly used to describe a variety of situations, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lag behind" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that indicates a state of not keeping pace or progressing slower than others. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure you clearly identify what is being compared and provide context as to why something is not keeping pace. Consider alternatives such as "fall behind" or "trail behind" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall behind

Focuses on the action of receding or decreasing in progress or achievement.

trail behind

Emphasizes the aspect of following at a distance, often in a physical sense.

be outstripped

Highlights being surpassed or exceeded by someone or something else.

be left behind

Suggests abandonment or being excluded from progress.

lose ground

Indicates a decline in position or advantage compared to others.

be overtaken

Stresses the act of being passed or surpassed, often implying competition.

decline

Emphasizes a decrease or deterioration in performance or status.

stagnate

Indicates a lack of progress or development, remaining in a static state.

be inferior

Highlights a lower quality or status compared to others.

be deficient

Focuses on lacking necessary qualities or elements, resulting in a lagging state.

FAQs

How do I use "lag behind" in a sentence?

Use "lag behind" to indicate that something or someone is progressing more slowly than others. For example, "If you don't keep up with technology, you'll "lag behind" the competition".

What are some alternatives to "lag behind"?

You can use alternatives like "fall behind", "trail behind", or "be outstripped depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "lag behind" in formal writing?

Yes, "lag behind" is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts.

What's the difference between "lag behind" and "fall behind"?

"Lag behind" generally suggests a continuous state of being slower, while "fall behind" can imply a more abrupt or significant drop in progress. Both indicate not keeping pace, but the nuance differs.