lagged behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lagged behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is not keeping up with others in terms of progress or development. Example: "While the other students advanced in their studies, she lagged behind due to personal challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Japan lagged behind, by several weeks.

The Economist

Keith lagged behind as Abe moved off.

The New York Times

Projects lagged behind schedule.

The New Yorker

Some celebrated names lagged behind.

The Economist

Other battleground states lagged behind.

The New York Times

Southern Italy, however, lagged behind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Britten lagged behind.

The New York Times - Arts

The Civil Service lagged behind.

The Guardian - Tech

Asda lagged behind at 5.9%.

The Guardian - Business

Technology, because it's lagged behind.

The New York Times

NBC lagged behind in fourth.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lagged behind", consider whether a more specific verb might provide greater clarity or impact. For example, instead of "sales lagged behind expectations", you could say "sales underperformed expectations".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "lagged behind" without providing context or explanation. Always clarify why the subject fell behind to give the reader a complete understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lagged behind" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'lagged' with the preposition 'behind'. It describes a state of being slower or less advanced than others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lagged behind" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe something that is progressing slower than others. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide acceptance across numerous contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as science, and encyclopedia articles, carrying a neutral tone. To enhance clarity, always specify what is falling behind and the reason for the delay. Consider alternative phrases like "fell behind", "trailed behind", or "failed to keep pace" for nuanced expressions. Avoid redundant phrasing such as "lagged behind of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell behind

Indicates a dropping in rank, position, or progress compared to others. This is a common and direct synonym.

trailed behind

Emphasizes the physical aspect of being at the rear or following at a distance, also usable metaphorically.

was outstripped

Highlights that someone or something has progressed further or faster, leaving another behind.

lost ground

Suggests a reduction in advantage or progress that was previously held.

failed to keep pace

Directly indicates an inability to maintain the same rate of progress as others.

remained behind

Focuses on the static aspect of staying in a position while others advance.

was left behind

Highlights the feeling of exclusion or being overtaken by events or others.

didn't measure up

Indicates a failure to meet a required standard or level of achievement.

shrank back

Focuses on the idea of drawing back due to fear or unwillingness.

slipped back

Implies a gradual decline or regression in progress or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "lagged behind" to describe when something is moving slower than something else, for example: "The company's profits "lagged behind" projections this quarter."

What is a more formal alternative to "lagged behind"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "failed to meet expectations" or "underperformed". For example, instead of saying "the project "lagged behind" schedule", you might say "the project failed to meet its scheduled milestones".

What's the difference between "lagged behind" and "fell behind"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of progress, "lagged behind" often implies a consistent, slower pace from the start, whereas "fell behind" suggests a decline from a previously acceptable pace. "The students "lagged behind" because of a lack of resources" versus "The students "fell behind" after the school closures".

Which is correct: "lagged behind" or "lagged behind of"?

"Lagged behind" is the correct and complete phrase. Adding "of" after "behind" is grammatically incorrect. For instance, "the team "lagged behind" the competition" is correct.