put it behind

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something should be placed at the back or in the rear, or to indicate that something should be forgotten and left in the past. Example: "I know you're upset about what happened, but try to put it behind you and focus on the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Put it behind us?" Bradley said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to put it behind us".

The New York Times

"We put it behind us," Jeter said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want to put it behind us".

The New York Times

People have put it behind them.

The Guardian

"You've got to put it behind you".

The New York Times - Sports

Just put it behind you and move on".

The New York Times - Sports

"Since it came out, we've put it behind us.

The New York Times - Sports

"You just got to put it behind us".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think we had put it behind us," he said.

Independent

"I think we put it behind us," Lampard said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to. Clarity will prevent misunderstandings and strengthen your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "put it behind" when the issue requires active resolution or cannot simply be forgotten. The phrase is best suited for situations where moving on is the most constructive approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put it behind" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or encourage someone to disregard or forget about something unpleasant or problematic. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used in contexts where focusing on the future is more beneficial than dwelling on the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put it behind" is a widely used idiomatic phrase that encourages forgetting about negative experiences and focusing on the future. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news, sports, and general conversation contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the appropriateness of the phrase in sensitive situations, as it may not always be suitable for individuals processing trauma or loss. Alternatives include "move on from it", "forget about it", and "leave it in the past", offering nuances suitable for various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move on from it

Focuses more on the action of progressing forward after an event.

forget about it

Emphasizes the act of ceasing to think about something.

leave it in the past

Highlights the act of consigning something to a previous time.

get over it

Implies a process of emotional recovery and acceptance.

let it go

Suggests releasing one's grip on a negative feeling or experience.

draw a line under it

British English idiom indicating a decisive end to something.

reconcile oneself with it

Focuses on making peace with something that has happened.

shrug it off

Implies a casual dismissal of something unpleasant.

dismiss it from one's mind

Formally suggests rejecting something from consideration.

rise above it

Implies overcoming a challenge with resilience and strength.

FAQs

How can I use "put it behind" in a sentence?

You can use "put it behind" to encourage someone to forget a mistake or a negative experience and move forward. For example, "I know you're upset about the loss, but you need to "put it behind" you and focus on the next game."

What does "put it behind" mean?

"Put it behind" means to consciously decide to stop dwelling on a negative experience, mistake, or setback, and to focus on the present or future instead. It implies a decision to move forward and not let the past affect one's current state.

What can I say instead of "put it behind"?

You can use alternatives like "move on from it", "forget about it", or "leave it in the past" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "put it behind" them?

No, it's not always appropriate. Telling someone to "put it behind" them can be insensitive if the person is still processing a significant trauma or loss. It's important to consider the individual's feelings and circumstances before using this phrase.