to get behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"to get behind" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it generally means to support or stand behind something or someone. Example: I will always get behind my friends and family, no matter what. In this example, "get behind" is used to mean to support and stand by someone. I need to get behind this project if I want it to succeed. Here, "get behind" is used to mean to fully support and invest in a project. The students were falling behind in their studies, so the teacher decided to offer extra tutoring sessions. In this sentence, "falling behind" means not keeping up or being behind in their studies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We don't want to get behind".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this was the wrong one to get behind".

The New York Times - Books

We want a good candidate to get behind," she said.

Los Angeles Times

#HeForShe is a great cause to get behind!

Huffington Post

Dylan's happy to get behind them.

Independent

"People need to get behind that.

Independent

"We have to get behind Bush.

The Guardian

I want people to get behind it.

The Guardian

So, it's time to get behind her.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He knows how to get behind you.

The New York Times - Sports

We need to get behind this innovation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to get behind" when you want to encourage someone to support an idea, person, or cause. It's best used when seeking active support rather than passive agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "to get behind" when you literally mean to position oneself behind something. The phrase typically implies support or encouragement, not physical placement.

Linguistic Context

To get behind primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the action of supporting or endorsing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples. It often appears in contexts where encouragement or advocacy is needed, highlighting its role in promoting collective action or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to get behind" is a very common infinitive phrase used to express support or endorsement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to encourage action and rally support, making it a versatile phrase for both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, as shown in the numerous examples from reliable sources, it is important to avoid literal interpretations and reserve it for contexts where figurative support is intended. Remember, effective communication involves choosing the right phrase to accurately convey your intended message, and "to get behind" is a powerful tool for fostering collective action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to back

A more informal term for supporting or funding.

to support

Focuses on the act of providing assistance or approval.

to stand by

Emphasizes loyalty and unwavering support.

to endorse

Suggests a more formal or public declaration of support.

to promote

Implies actively encouraging the growth or popularity of something.

to advocate

Implies active and public support for a cause or person.

to get on board with

Indicates joining or aligning with a particular initiative or idea.

to champion

Highlights the role of defending or promoting something.

to rally around

Describes the act of gathering support for a common purpose.

to assist

Focuses on providing help or aid.

FAQs

How can I use "to get behind" in a sentence?

You can use "to get behind" to express support for something. For example, "We need "everyone to get behind" the new initiative" indicates a call for collective support.

What's a good alternative to "to get behind"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to support", "to endorse", or "to advocate" as alternatives to "to get behind".

Is it always appropriate to use "to get behind" in formal writing?

While "to get behind" is widely understood, in very formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "to support" or "to endorse" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says they "can't get behind" something?

When someone says they "can't get behind" something, it means they don't support it or agree with it. It indicates a lack of enthusiasm or willingness to back the idea or proposal.