lying behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated at the back of or is hidden from view, often metaphorically. Example: "The truth was lying behind the layers of deception."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The temperature dependence of the longitudinal and transverse relaxations and the possible mechanisms lying behind are carefully characterized.

Physics Letters A

After all, Kant had restricted the operations of causality to the realm of appearances, thus excluding unobservable causes lying behind and causing observable phenomena.

SEP

Sergeant Rougle was lying behind him.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there's another violent family saga lying behind "Kingpin".

The New York Times - Arts

Areas lying behind topographic barriers also get little rain, while windward slopes generally are well watered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most concerned onlooker is Germany, which sees its credit lying behind the entire euro area.

The Economist

This is the programme lying behind all of Lévi-Strauss's major works.

The Guardian

The gravedigger spotted the bundle lying behind broken gravestones in the old Christian cemetery in Larkana.

The Guardian

Moving beyond the text, advocates turn to the history lying behind the amendment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Protectionism is another factor lying behind some of the attacks on hedge funds.

The New York Times

For government, there are two real tasks lying behind the misplaced talk of recovery plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lying behind" to subtly introduce a hidden cause, reason, or context that is not immediately apparent. For example, "Several factors were lying behind the company's sudden success."

Common error

Avoid using "lying behind" when a more direct term for physical location, like "behind" or "at the back of", is more appropriate. "The book was behind the shelf" is clearer than "The book was lying behind the shelf" if you're only describing its position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying behind" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a hidden cause, reason, or context. Ludwig indicates this usage is correct and widely applicable. The phrase suggests something not immediately apparent but influential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "lying behind" correctly and effectively conveys a sense of underlying causation, hidden context, or non-obvious influence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for both formal and neutral registers, but should be used judiciously to ensure clarity, especially when a simpler positional term suffices. Its presence is notable in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a broad applicability for analytical and explanatory writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying cause

Focuses on the causal aspect, specifically the root cause.

hidden reason

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the reason.

at the root of

Indicates the fundamental source or origin.

situated behind

Highlights the physical placement at the rear.

lurking beneath

Suggests a hidden and potentially negative presence.

concealed by

Focuses on the act of hiding something.

motivating factor

Emphasizes the element that drives or influences something.

the basis for

Indicates the foundation or support for something.

in the background

Highlights a less prominent or influential position.

driving force

Suggests the power or energy behind an event or action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "lying behind" is used to indicate something that is not immediately visible or obvious but is the cause, reason, or context for something else. For example, "The real reasons "lying behind" the decision were never revealed".

What are some alternatives to "lying behind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "underlying cause", "hidden reason", or "at the root of".

Is it correct to say "laying behind" instead of "lying behind"?

No, "laying behind" is incorrect. "Lying" refers to being in a horizontal position or, metaphorically, existing in a concealed state. "Laying" is the act of placing something down. Therefore, "lying behind" is the correct phrase.

What's the difference between "lying behind" and simply saying "behind"?

"Behind" indicates a physical position, while "lying behind" often suggests a more abstract, causal, or influential relationship. For example, "the truth behind the story" implies a hidden truth influencing the narrative, which goes beyond just physical placement.