behind
at the back of; at the rear (also: late in progress)
- Space: at the back of something (opposite of in front of).
- Progress: later than planned or others (behind schedule, behind in math, behind on rent).
- Patterns: behind + noun; behind in + subject/progress; behind on + tasks/payments.
Scene category
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Examples
Spatial examples
The cat is behind the sofa.
Stand behind the line.
Time examples
We're behind schedule.
I'm behind in math this semester.
Related prepositions
Key differences
Behind mainly means "at the back." It also commonly expresses being late in progress (behind schedule, behind in/on). For simple time order, English usually uses after, not behind.
In front of is the direct opposite: front vs back position.
Ahead of often means earlier/ahead in progress; behind means late/behind in progress.
In back of is a more conversational American variant. Behind is the general all-purpose option.
After is time order. Behind is about position or progress, not simply a later clock time.
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Is it a spatial back position (opposite of in front of)?
Yes -> use behind.
Is it progress language (late compared to a plan)?
Yes -> use behind (behind schedule, behind in math, behind on rent).
Do you only mean time order (later than a time point)?
Yes -> use after, not behind.
Is it vertical (under/below) rather than front-back?
Yes -> use under/below; behind is front-back direction.
Common collocations
Physical position
Behind in progress
Fixed phrases
Common mistakes
Avoid: The bag is behind of the chair.
Use: The bag is behind the chair.
Reason: Do not add of after behind in this pattern.
Avoid: The meeting is behind 3 p.m.
Use: The meeting is after 3 p.m.
Reason: Use after for simple time order. Behind is not a clock-time preposition.
Avoid: I'm behind on math this week.
Use: I'm behind in math this week.
Reason: Behind in often fits subjects/skills; behind on fits tasks/payments.
Mini quiz
Question 1
Choose the correct preposition: The cat is ___ the sofa.
Choose an answer
Question 2
Choose the correct preposition: We're ___ schedule, so we need to speed up.
Choose an answer
Question 3
Choose the better word: The meeting is ___ 3 p.m.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What does "behind" mean?+
Behind mainly means at the back of something. It can also mean late in progress, as in behind schedule.
When should I use "behind"?+
Use behind for back position or late progress. Example: The car is behind the bus. We're behind schedule.
What is the difference between "behind" and "in front of"?+
They are opposites in space: in front of is front position, behind is back position. Example: in front of the box vs behind the box.
What is the difference between "behind" and "ahead of"?+
In progress language, ahead of means early/leading; behind means late/lagging. Example: ahead of schedule vs behind schedule.
Is "behind" the same as "after"?+
Usually no. After is time order. Behind is position or progress. For clock-time order, use after.
How do I choose between "behind in" and "behind on"?+
Behind in often fits subjects/skills (behind in math, behind in reading). Behind on often fits tasks/payments (behind on rent, behind on homework).
What is a common learner mistake with "behind"?+
A common mistake is adding "of" (behind of). Use behind + noun: behind the chair. Another mistake is using behind for time order (use after).
What is a 30-second memory rule for "behind"?+
Memorize two anchors: behind the box (space) and behind schedule (progress). Use after for simple time order.