lags behind

USAGE SUMMARY

'lags behind' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean that someone or something is moving slower than an expected pace or is not achieving at the same rate as someone or something else. For example, "Although Steven is a bright student, he lags behind the rest of his peers in math."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Microsoft lags behind in search.

The Economist

In terms of mortality transition, India lags behind developed nations.

Global Health Action

Only Romney lags behind.

The New Yorker

Sadly, the implementation lags behind.

The Economist

Commerce lags behind its potential.

The Economist

Our country lags behind other countries.

Independent

Twitter lags behind Facebook in both.

The Economist

Politics often lags behind reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Affordable housing dramatically lags behind demand.

The New York Times

Sadly, today the country lags behind.

The New York Times

Now it lags behind seven other countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lags behind", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. It should be evident what the subject is falling short of, for example: "Their technology investment lags behind their competitors'."

Common error

Avoid using "lags behind" without a clear reference point. Saying "The project lags behind" is vague; instead, specify "The project lags behind the original schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lags behind" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that something is progressing slower or is less advanced than something else. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lags behind" is a very common and grammatically sound way to express that something is moving slower, is less developed, or is less successful compared to something else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly fine. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, be sure to provide a clear point of comparison to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "falls short" or "trails behind" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls short

Indicates a failure to reach a required or desired standard.

trails behind

Suggests a position that is literally or figuratively behind another.

is outstripped by

Highlights being surpassed or exceeded, especially in achievement.

is deficient in

Emphasizes a lack or shortage in a specific area.

remains inferior to

Implies a consistent state of being of lower quality or status.

is not up to par

Suggests that something does not meet an expected level or standard.

is underdeveloped compared to

Focuses on a lack of progress or advancement relative to something else.

pales in comparison

Highlights the insignificance of something when compared to something else more impressive.

is second-rate

Conveys that something is of lower quality or importance.

is losing ground

Indicates a decline in position or advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "lags behind" to indicate that something is progressing slower or is less advanced than something else. For example, "Their research "falls behind" the leading scientists in the field".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lags behind"?

Alternatives to "lags behind" include "falls short", "trails behind", or "is outstripped by" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "lags behind" or "falls behind"?

Both "lags behind" and "falls behind" are acceptable, but "lags behind" often implies a more continuous or consistent state of being behind, while "falls behind" might suggest a more recent or sudden occurrence.

In what situations is it best to use the phrase "lags behind"?

"Lags behind" is best used when you want to emphasize that something is consistently not keeping pace with another, often in terms of progress, development, or achievement. This is different than just being behind, and more an indicator of something not keeping pace with a goal.