one step behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"one step behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that someone is lagging behind the other, or to express a sense of being out of the loop. For example, "I always find myself one step behind the others when it comes to understanding new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of these can be found on DVD, and one, "One Step Behind," is available from Amazon Instant Video.

The New York Times

Like other books in this challenging series, ONE STEP BEHIND (New Press, $24.95) turns on an elegantly executed crime that reflects on some troubling larger issue.

The New York Times - Books

"I found myself kind of one step behind," Sykora said.

The New York Times - Sports

The narrative device of One Step Behind is announced by the title.

The Guardian - Books

Stuffed in Mr. Alvarez's pants pocket was a mystery novel, "One Step Behind," by the Swedish author Henning Mankell.

The New York Times

The government would also be introducing a general anti-abuse rule, to start next year, "that will put the taxman for the first time one step ahead of the tax avoiders, rather than one step behind", Alexander said.

The Guardian - Business

"It is not enough to say parents and teachers need to monitor their children's internet use, they do but there will always be a disconnect and parents will always be one step behind," said Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard.

The Guardian

All this time I thought they were one step behind, but turns out they are two steps ahead.

Huffington Post

Retired FBI agent Ryan Hardy Kevin Baconn) is always one step behind, working to predict Joe's next move before anyone else is killed.

Huffington Post

The delivery gap is -- of course -- one step behind as promised funding needs to become available and, in addition, the various physical and social barriers must be addressed and new systems set up that meet children's needs.

Huffington Post

On Wednesday, just one step behind them, the military seized a bamboo hut where the foreign hostages had been held.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to depict a situation where someone is perpetually trailing or trying to catch up, such as, "In the rapidly evolving tech industry, companies often find themselves one step behind the innovation curve."

Common error

Avoid using "one step behind" repeatedly in a short span, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "slightly delayed" or "not quite up to speed" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one step behind" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates a condition of being slightly delayed or lagging in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one step behind" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing a state of being slightly delayed, not fully informed, or lagging in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "slightly delayed" or "not quite up to speed" for variety. When aiming to convey the idea of trailing or being out of sync, "one step behind" is an effective and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite up to speed

Indicates a lack of full understanding or preparedness.

trailing slightly

Highlights the action of following behind, but not too far.

playing catch-up

Highlights the effort to reach the same level as others.

lagging just a bit

Indicates being slightly behind in progress or development.

slightly delayed

Focuses on the aspect of timing and being a little late.

lacking the latest information

Focuses on the deficit of current knowledge.

a shade off the pace

Suggests being slightly slower or less advanced than others.

a little late

Emphasizes tardiness in a process or understanding.

a beat slow

Implies a slight delay in reaction or comprehension.

following in the distance

Emphasizes physically being or metaphorically pursuing behind.

FAQs

How can I use "one step behind" in a sentence?

You can use "one step behind" to describe someone or something that is lagging or not fully informed. For example, "The authorities were always one step behind the criminals" or "Our technology is one step behind our competitors".

What does it mean to be "one step behind"?

Being "one step behind" means that you are slightly delayed, not fully aware of the latest developments, or trailing in progress compared to someone or something else. It implies a minor but persistent disadvantage.

What can I say instead of "one step behind"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly delayed", "lacking the latest information", or "not quite up to speed" depending on the context.

Is it better to be "one step behind" or "two steps behind"?

Generally, it's better to be "one step behind" than "two steps behind" because it implies you are closer to catching up or being fully informed. The fewer steps behind, the smaller the gap you need to close.