really far behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really far behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is significantly delayed or lagging in progress compared to others. Example: "After missing several deadlines, I realized I was really far behind on my project compared to my classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There are some in which the professors are really far behind the times.

The New York Times

He was just a head behind Master Minded at Punchestown in April and, although the common interpretation of that form is that the winner was below his best, it could also be that Big Zeb isn't really far behind him.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't think there will be a massive surprise with someone from really far behind making up 15 points and all the rest making six or seven.

BBC

Treatment of gay and lesbian people have changed a lot, but respect for transgender people is really far behind".

Huffington Post

Oh, and if you haven't heard about the Crank Dat dance by now, you're really far behind.

Huffington Post

In outdoor polo the whole speed of the game is gallop, so I'm really far behind on my riding skills.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If Mongolian goat insurance is here, can American home-price insurance really be far behind?

The New Yorker

When do they pay up? "When someone really gets far behind," like $40 or $50, Mr. Sandler said.

The New York Times

Now that scientists have found a gene that determines muscle fiber type in zebrafish embryos, can all-white-meat turkeys really be far behind?

Science Magazine

Really far.

The New York Times - Sports

Can Gagosian be far behind?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "really far behind", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the degree of being delayed or lagging. It's suitable for informal to neutral situations but might need a more precise equivalent in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "really far behind" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "significantly delayed" or "considerably behind" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really far behind" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, emphasizing the degree to which something or someone is lagging or delayed. Ludwig examples show this phrase describing academic progress, sports performance, and project timelines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really far behind" is a common way to express a significant delay or lag, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions adverbially to modify an adjective, emphasizing the degree of being behind. While generally acceptable, this phrase is best suited for neutral to informal contexts; more formal writing benefits from alternatives like "significantly delayed". The sources show the phrase often used in news, but avoid using it in highly formal papers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly lagging

Focuses on the degree of being behind, emphasizing the lag in progress.

considerably delayed

Highlights the delay aspect, emphasizing the extent of the postponement.

substantially trailing

Emphasizes the act of following behind to a great extent.

noticeably behind schedule

Highlights that the delay is easily observed and related to a set timeline.

remarkably in arrears

Stresses the state of being behind, especially in terms of obligations or payments, to a notable degree.

well behind the curve

Indicates a significant lack of progress or understanding compared to current trends or standards.

at a considerable disadvantage

Highlights the handicap resulting from being behind.

severely outstripped

Emphasizes being surpassed to a great extent, indicating a large gap.

substantially in deficit

Highlights the quantitative aspect of being behind, especially in terms of numbers or resources.

decidedly in the rear

Emphasizes the position of being at the back, indicating a clear distance from the front.

FAQs

How can I use "really far behind" in a sentence?

You can use "really far behind" to describe something that is significantly delayed or lagging. For example, "After missing several deadlines, I realized I was "really far behind" on my project compared to my classmates."

What are some alternatives to saying "really far behind"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significantly lagging", "considerably delayed", or "substantially trailing".

Is "really far behind" appropriate for formal writing?

While "really far behind" is acceptable in informal and neutral contexts, it's better to use more precise and professional alternatives like "significantly delayed" or "considerably behind" in formal writing.

What's the difference between "really far behind" and "slightly behind"?

"Really far behind" indicates a significant delay or lag, while "slightly behind" suggests a minor delay. The word "really" intensifies the degree of being behind, making it a much more pronounced state compared to just being "slightly behind".