start behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something begins from a position of disadvantage or lower status compared to others. Example: "In the race, I had to start behind the other competitors due to a late arrival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All the evidence shows that if you start behind, you stay behind.

Independent

These realities show us beyond a shadow of a doubt that when children start behind, they so often stay behind, and are greatly limited in their life trajectory and ability to become contributing members of their community.

HuffPost

In short, children who start behind, stay behind.

Unicef

I'm going to put my last start behind me.

The New York Times

We all start behind the desk, which hasn't happened for a while," she said.

Independent

Girardi said Posada would make his first start behind the plate on March 15.

The New York Times

His forgettable Houston start behind him, Leiter's performance was picturesque again.

The New York Times - Sports

— "I usually start behind the neck," Grace Granatelli said from her plump brown sofa.

The New York Times

But yesterday their veteran Simon Gerrans put his team's tumultous start behind them with a stunning stage victory at Calvi.

Independent

Tell the rookie J. R. Murphy to make his first start behind the plate, as he did Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

If his appeal is unsuccessful, he presumably will fall another start behind Johnson, though not necessarily in stature and success.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start behind", ensure the context clearly indicates the disadvantage or inferior position from which something begins. For example, "Due to lack of resources, the project will inevitably start behind schedule".

Common error

Avoid using "start behind" when simply indicating a sequential start. Ensure a genuine disadvantage or lagging position is implied, rather than just a later starting time. For example, it's better to say "We started later" instead of "We started behind" if there's no inherent disadvantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start behind" functions as a verb phrase often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It typically describes the action of commencing an activity or process from a disadvantaged position or with a significant delay. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start behind" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies commencing from a disadvantaged position and is frequently found in news, business, and general contexts. While suitable for neutral registers, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "begin at a disadvantage". The phrase conveys a clear sense of initial inferiority, making it essential to use it accurately to reflect a genuine disadvantage rather than a mere sequential start. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication and prevents misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin at a disadvantage

Focuses on the disadvantage aspect of starting, without explicitly mentioning the relative position.

commence from a lower position

Emphasizes the initial lower rank or status at the beginning.

begin with a deficit

Highlights the shortage or handicap at the starting point.

initiate from the back

Highlights the physical positioning of beginning from the rear.

launch from the bottom

Emphasizes starting from the lowest rank or level.

lag from the outset

Focuses on the lagging aspect, implying a failure to keep pace from the start.

trail from the get-go

Uses a more informal expression to indicate trailing from the very beginning.

originate from underneath

Implies a beginning from a subordinate or less favorable situation.

kick off with a setback

Focuses on the initial hindrance or problem at the start.

get off to a slow start

Implies a slow or difficult beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "start behind" to describe a situation where someone or something begins from a position of disadvantage, such as, "Because of the injury, he will "start behind" the other runners in the race".

What's the difference between "start behind" and "fall behind"?

"Start behind" means to begin in a disadvantaged position, while "fall behind" indicates a loss of pace or progress after an initial start. For example, you might "start behind" due to a late entry, and then "fall behind" due to lack of practice.

What can I say instead of "start behind"?

You can use alternatives like "begin at a disadvantage", "commence from a lower position", or "get off to a slow start" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "start behind"?

While often negative, ""start behind"" can sometimes describe a strategic decision, like a racer allowing others a head start. However, it typically implies a disadvantage that needs to be overcome.