look behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"look behind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to direct someone to look in the direction behind them. For example, "Look behind you! Someone is trying to sneak up on you!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stockton is not the type to look behind, either.

The New York Times - Sports

Walk through, look behind, up, down, etc.

Forbes

There is nothing to look behind".

Vice

We don't look behind.

The New York Times - Sports

I look behind me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Look behind my ears".

The New York Times

"I don't look behind.

The New York Times - Sports

No need to look behind any more.

The New York Times

"You have to look behind the numbers".

The New York Times

Some simply turn and look behind them.

The New Yorker

I didn't dare look behind me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look behind" in a narrative, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a literal instruction to turn around, or a metaphorical suggestion to consider past events or hidden aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "look behind" solely in a literal sense when the intention is to convey a deeper analysis or reflection on the past. Use phrases like "consider the past" or "analyze the situation" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look behind" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, directing someone to turn their gaze or attention to what is behind them. Ludwig provides numerous examples of both literal and figurative uses, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look behind" is a versatile verb phrase frequently used to instruct someone to turn around or, more figuratively, to investigate hidden aspects or consider past events. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, and its primary function is to direct attention or encourage scrutiny. As Ludwig shows, it is a common phrase in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn around

Focuses on the physical action of rotating one's body to face the opposite direction.

check your back

Emphasizes the act of verifying what is at one's rear, often suggesting a need for caution.

glance back

Suggests a quick, brief look in the reverse direction.

retrace your steps

Suggests going back over a route already traveled, either physically or metaphorically.

consider the past

Shifts from a literal direction to a figurative one, involving reflection on previous events.

reflect on what happened

Similar to considering the past, but highlights the process of thinking deeply about prior occurrences.

review the history

More formal, implying a systematic examination of past events or records.

reminisce

Implies a nostalgic look back at past experiences, typically with fondness.

examine the aftermath

Focuses on inspecting the results or consequences of a past event.

scrutinize previous actions

Emphasizes a detailed and critical analysis of past deeds.

FAQs

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

You can use "look behind" literally, as in "look behind you, there's a car coming!" Or, you can use it figuratively, as in "We need to "look behind the numbers" to understand the true situation."

What does it mean to "look behind the curtain"?

To "look behind the curtain" means to investigate or understand the hidden or less obvious aspects of something. It implies seeking the truth or understanding the inner workings.

What are some alternative ways to say "look behind" when referring to the past?

When referring to the past, you can use phrases such as "reflect on the past", "consider previous events", or "review the history".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "look behind"?

While "look behind" is generally correct, it might be inappropriate if the context requires a more specific or formal expression. For example, in a research paper, you might prefer "analyze the underlying causes" instead of "look behind the results".