not far behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"not far behind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is close to something else or that the gap between them is small. For example: "The second runner crossed the finish line not far behind the first one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not far behind, though, is Maman.

The New Yorker

Cruz is not far behind with 44percentt.

The Washington Post

He's not far behind.

The New York Times - Sports

Lithuania is not far behind.

The Economist

Brazil was not far behind.

The New York Times

Politicians are not far behind.

The Economist

"I'm not far behind.

The Guardian - Sport

But the rest were not far behind.

The Economist

Fringe politicians were not far behind.

The New Yorker

Corporate America is not far behind.

The New York Times

But ACT is not far behind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not far behind" to clearly indicate that something or someone is close to another in terms of progress, position, or time. It's effective for showing a competitive or sequential relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "not far behind" when the entities are actually significantly separated. The phrase implies a relatively small gap, so ensure this is accurate to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not far behind" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is close in proximity, time, or achievement. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe relative positions or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not far behind" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something or someone is close in proximity, time, or achievement to another. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media. It serves to convey a sense of closeness and potential for change. When using this phrase, ensure that the entities are indeed relatively close to avoid misleading the reader. The linguistic analysis shows a prevalence in neutral and news-related contexts, further validating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close behind

This alternative emphasizes the nearness in physical distance or ranking.

a close second

This highlights being in second place but very near the first.

nearly neck and neck

This phrase implies a very tight race or competition where participants are almost equal.

within striking distance

This suggests that someone or something is close enough to achieve a goal or overtake a leader.

hard on someone's heels

This idiom emphasizes that someone is closely pursuing or challenging another.

nipping at someone's heels

Implies a constant and close pursuit, often with the intention of overtaking.

breathing down someone's neck

This idiom conveys intense pressure from someone very close behind.

in hot pursuit

Suggests an active chase, where the pursuer is very close to the pursued.

tailing closely

Emphasizes following closely, often in a literal or competitive sense.

on the verge of overtaking

Indicates that someone is about to surpass another in a race or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "not far behind" in a sentence?

Use "not far behind" to indicate that something or someone is close in proximity, time, or achievement to something or someone else. For example, "Although she was in second place, she was "not far behind" the leader".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "not far behind"?

Similar phrases include "close behind", "within striking distance", or "a close second". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "not far behind" in formal writing?

Yes, "not far behind" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its meaning is clear and widely understood, making it versatile for various writing styles.

What's the difference between "not far behind" and "slightly behind"?

"Not far behind" suggests a relatively small and potentially insignificant difference, while "slightly behind" simply indicates being a little behind without emphasizing the closeness. "Not far behind" often implies a potential for catching up or overtaking.