took a backseat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a backseat" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has become less important or has been deprioritized in favor of something else. Example: "During the project, the marketing strategy took a backseat to product development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And the band's frontman often took a backseat.

The New York Times

Mr. Reinfeld, 35, willingly took a backseat during the design process.

The New York Times

Eventually, Cole's piano playing took a backseat to his singing career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another secret to Magic Tate Ball's success was making sure the technology took a backseat.

The Guardian

For sheer audacity, all those American medalists took a backseat to Brown Trafton.

The New York Times - Sports

Eventually my soul obsession took a backseat to other musical explorations.

The Guardian - Music

Yet by the time Harris was repackaging transactional analysis as self-help, common sense took a backseat to idealism.

The New York Times - Books

Horse trading, however, took a backseat to building a publishing empire, and the prince returned to Saudi Arabia after graduation.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, the price negotiations were largely handled by Silver Lake, and Mr. Dell took a backseat, people close to the negotiations say.

The New York Times

In this case it is clear the administration's arguments in the court of public opinion took a backseat to those expected in the actual courtroom.

The New York Times

As a result, Victoria's commercial activities and population soon took a backseat to booming Vancouver, although Victoria and its surrounding region experienced steady growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a backseat" when you want to clearly indicate that something's importance or priority has decreased in comparison to something else. It's particularly effective when describing a shift in focus or emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "took a backseat" to describe situations where something is completely absent or removed. It implies a reduction in importance, not a total elimination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a backseat" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a change in priority or importance. It's often used to describe how one thing becomes less significant compared to another, as seen in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a backseat" is a common and correct way to express that something has become less important or has been deprioritized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "was overshadowed" or "became secondary", "took a backseat" provides a clear and widely understood way to describe a shift in importance. When using the phrase, ensure that the situation truly involves a reduction in priority, rather than a complete absence, and consider the formality of your writing when choosing the most appropriate alternative. The phrase's widespread usage across reputable sources solidifies its status as a reliable and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became less significant

Indicates a reduction in importance.

took a lower priority

Directly states a shift in prioritization, making it less urgent or important.

was overshadowed

Highlights the dominance of another factor, causing the original element to be less noticeable.

took second place

Uses a competition metaphor to show something became less important.

became secondary

Emphasizes the shift to a supporting or less crucial role.

was given less attention

Emphasizes the reduced focus or care given to something.

lost prominence

Focuses on the decrease in visibility or attention.

receded in importance

Indicates a gradual decline in significance, suggesting a less abrupt shift than "took a backseat".

was relegated to the background

Suggests a deliberate demotion or pushing of something out of the spotlight.

was deferred

Indicates a postponement or delay, implying it's importance is diminished for the time being.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "takes a backseat"?

When something "takes a backseat", it means it becomes less important, less prominent, or receives less attention compared to something else. It suggests a shift in priority or focus.

How can I use "took a backseat" in a sentence?

You can use "took a backseat" to describe various scenarios, such as "During the economic crisis, environmental concerns "took a backseat" to job creation" or "After the new CEO arrived, innovation "took a backseat" to cost-cutting measures".

What are some alternatives to "took a backseat"?

Some alternatives include "was overshadowed", "became secondary", "lost prominence", or "was relegated to the background", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "took a backseat" in formal writing?

Yes, "took a backseat" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly in news reporting and analytical contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, consider using a more precise or nuanced alternative to maintain a sophisticated tone.